ESP February 2009

FEBRUARY 2009 Issue 114

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ESP MAGAZINE LTD

EDITORIAL

STUDIO

COLUMNISTS

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor Sharon McAllister

Art Director Tony Mayer

Pep Cipriano

Karen Devine

tony.mayer@espmag.co.uk

Andy Slater

ADVERTISING

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Joanne Quinney

Senior Designer Alex Fahey

Steve Gonzalez

Andy Whittaker

Sarah Tempest

Shirley Frost

ESP3.net

Susan Saunders

Matt Zilch

For all the latest news, views, reviews and gossip, check out ESP Magazine’s Local Leisure Portal www.esp3.net

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Head of Sales & Marketing Sean McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sales Executives Andy Slater

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

Shirley Frost

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

alex.fahey@espmag.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Vernum Emma Bothamley Neil Golding Mike Harris

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk sarah.tempest@espmag.co.uk susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

Directors Sharon McAllister

sharon.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

Sean McAllister

sean.mcallister@espmag.co.uk

REPORTERS Liv Slater

P.O. BOX 431, PETERBOROUGH PE6 7FG / TEL 01733 579707 / FAX 01733 579708 / EMAIL: OFFICE@ESPMAG.CO.UK

ESP is a totally independent publication, not linked in any way to any of the Peterborough newspapers. ESP is written, researched, designed and published by ESP Magazine Ltd. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All design and artwork is the copyright of its respective owner. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent is given by the publishers.

Gossip gossip@espmag.co.uk

Marshall Volvo Proudly sponsored by

fixtures at Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday February 3, Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday February 17 and Hereford United on Saturday February 21. Visit www.the posh.com for all the latest Posh news.

PORKY PIG NEED VOCALIST

PEP MEETS NO ORDINARY JOE Our Man About Town has rubbed shoulders with dozens of stars during his 10 year reign with us and they don't come much bigger locally than world snooker ace Joe Perry. Joe lives in Chatteris but left the Fens for the city - the Lite FM studios to be precise - where he was a guest on Pep and Posh Phil's Talking Sport show, which goes out live every Wednesday 7-8pm on 106.8 FM. Pep will report back on how the show with Joe went in next month's Man About Town - and he'll be giving us the lowdown on his exclusive training session with the Peterborough Saxons! If anyone connected with local sport would like to be a guest of Pep and Phil's, email pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

PHANTOMS CREDIT CRUNCH BUSTER

Local band Porky Pig have been in touch and tell us they’ve found a new bass player, but are now looking for a vocalist. So if you think you can belt out the tunes to do this popular, long established rock covers band justice, you need to get in touch. They’ve been going 18 years this year and will need you to be able to commit to regular gigs including regular Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll need the talent to sing and front the band, so if you think you’ve got what it takes call Gary 01733 577683, Paul 01733 568847 or Mark on 01778 425817.

CHARITY ICE HOCKEY MATCH RAISES DOSH

SMILE BOUTIQUE WINS AWARD

This February sees the top of the table Peterborough Phantoms facing five home games, including the Premier League Cup Semi-Final.

The Phantoms face Slough (Feb 5), Sheffield (Feb 8 & 26), Guildford (Feb 14) and the Cup Semi-Final game against a currently unknown opponent.

The club have put together a Credit Crunch Busting Ticket Pack which covers all five games. The ticket pack costs - Adults: £35, NUS/OAP: £25, Children: £20. To register just send an email to Ian@iosys.org.uk. The ticket pack will be available to collect at the first February game from the Season Ticket entrance.

Promotions present Superstar Karaoke on the big screen which is by far the best in town. With big screen sports, a pool table and Playstation evenings, the Sapphire Club promises to entertain the masses. All drinks are £2 midday-7pm and only £2.50 after.

The bar’s only a five minute walk from Lakeside Bowl/Chicago's at 50 Eastfield Road. Call 07725 645 112 for details.

ESP would like to say a big ‘Well done!’ to The Smile Boutique, based on Park Road, who we hear have been crowned the ‘Best Team in the East’ at the Dentistry Awards. The award was presented by Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi, and is the second national award they’ve won this year, with practice manager Cheryl Lawrence winning ‘National Practice Manager of the Year’ at the Probe Awards. For more information on the Smile Boutique, or to get your gnashers in great condition, just give them a call 01733 551534 or visit www.thesmileboutique.co.uk

The money’s finally been handed over and Peterborough SportsAid Foundation has been given a cheque from the Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey Club for a whopping £5,000.

It’s from a charity ice hockey match supported by ESP magazine and Lite FM which saw our former Face of ESP Kerry Bates take to the ice alongside local business people to do battle with Mikey Clarke from Lite FM and his team back in November.

Hosted by the Peterborough Phantoms Ice Hockey Club and organised by Alchemy Marketing Ltd, the event took place to raise much needed funds for Peterborough SportsAid Foundation and the ice hockey club. It was a great night for players and spectators, and amongst all the fun and falls they did manage to score some goals. ‘Pep’s Men About Town’ beat ‘Mikes Lightening’ with a score of 5-2.

POSH FIXTURES

SAPPHIRE CLUB UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

LEARN (DIRECT) SOMETHING NEW

The fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Peterborough United during February with three home fixtures at London Road for supporters to attend. Posh entertain Carlisle United on Saturday February 7, Yeovil Town on Valentine’s Day and Southend United on Saturday February 28. Posh also have away

This refurbished late bar boasts an impressive sound and lighting system, comfortable seating and a good sized stage and dance floor.

Peterborough’s party people will enjoy live music and DJ's playing the best in uplifting House, R’n’B, bar grooves, cheesey Pop and Club Classics. Every Wednesday from 8pm Good Times

If you’re already fed up of 2009 and want to do something new, then head over to the Adult College in Brook Street on February 7 for the launch of the new Learndirect centre, which was previously in the Central Library.

They offer maths, English, IT and workrelated courses that you can study for at your own time and pace, which

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Mallory Road, Boongate Tel: 01733 894894 www.marshallweb.co.uk means you might be able to get a new job, or just a pay rise! It’s open from 10am – 2pm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHOS Doesn’t a year fly by! We can’t believe it’s already time to wish Ethos hair and beauty salon Happy 1st Birthday. The salon on New Road in Woodston is celebrating with some special offers including a 20% discount on hair and beauty treatments. If you fancy going somewhere new then give the girls a ring on 01733 342111.

CLAIRE PICKS A WINNER @ MICHAEL JOHN Face of ESP Claire Smith popped into Michael John hair and beauty salon in Queensgate to pick a winner for their great GHD styler competition. The team gave away a special purple GHD straightening set in ESP and so asked Claire to do the honours. Lucky girl Anna Aukland was the winner… not that we’re envious… at all!

HEART-FELT DONATION FROM THE CRESSET Generous audiences who enjoyed The Cresset’s pantomime this Christmas have raised more than £3,000 for disadvantaged children in Greater Peterborough.

The Bretton venue collected £3,263 from panto-goers during its run of the successful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The money’s being donated to the Have A Heart charity appeal, run by city radio station Heart FM. The charity, formerly known as Hereward FM Kids, aims to provide grants to disadvantaged children in local communities, giving them greater opportunities in life.

Cresset spokesman Mark Elliott told ESP - “We’re delighted to make this donation to such a worthy cause and hope that it’ll go towards making a real difference in the lives of local children. We would like to thank our

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest gossip generous audiences for the part they played in the donation and look forward to welcoming them back to The Cresset in 2009.”

There’s no bar but you can bring your own drinks and glasses! You need six in a team, it’s £10 per person, there’ll be a raffle too and ALL proceeds will go to MacMillan. To find out more call Alan on 01733 270553 or email abo@alanbothamley.co.uk.

ICE DIRECT SOUND OFF

LITE FM BACK CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT The Rotary Club of Peterborough are joining forces with MacMillan Cancer Appeal, and other Rotary Clubs nationwide for the World’s Biggest Quiz Night – and Keith and Gregg from city radio station 106.8 Lite FM will be asking the questions!

It takes place at Jack Hunt School on Friday February 27 – arrive at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. There’ll be questions on all kinds of subjects – and a finger buffet too.

The guys at Ice Direct in Fengate are holding their annual Sound Off event on January 31 so if you’re a petrol head, get down there!

The local branch of the Mondeo Owners Club will be joining in to raise more cash for Peterborough Young Carers. They’ll be running a time trials competition throughout the day on ‘Need for Speed Underground’ on the Playstation from 8.30am onwards. Just pay £1 a go and see if you make it through to the finals later in the day.

There’ll be a £50 Ice Direct voucher for the winner. Take a look at www.mondeo-owners.co.uk for more details.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

10 PAIRS OF SHOWCASE CINEMA TICKETS TO WIN! ESP and Showcase cinema continue to help you through the credit crunch with very handy freebies! You can enjoy a fantastic movie for free with these cinema passes and we have ten pairs to dish out. There are some great films coming to the big screen with ‘Revolutionary Road’ just out and then throughout this month there’ll be our cover star Beyoncé’s new movie ‘Cadillac Records’, Disney’s ‘Bolt’ and Brad Pitt in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ to name a few.

Just text or email us the answer to this question, along with your name, age, address and telephone number and you could be off to Showcase for free!

Q – The new movie ‘Revolutionary Road’ reunites Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio on screen which famous film did they previously star together in?

Register at www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and you can get show times and special offers by email every week.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, answers must be in by 27/02/09

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

February Events Valentine’s Night Saturday 14th February 2009 5 Course Dinner Menu with a gift for the ladies £45 per person, Accommodation @ £50.00 per person bed and breakfast.

Mothers Day Lunch Sunday 22nd March 3 Course Sunday Lunch with a gift for the Mother £24.95 per person

Winter Warmer Menu Starter Homemade Soup of the day Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail Hot Chicken Liver, Black Pudding and Bacon Salad

Main Steak & Kidney Suet Pudding Smoked Haddock and Pearl Barley Risotto Stew of Root Vegetables with Roasted Beets (Served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes of the day)

Dessert Steamed Sponge of the day served with Custard Belgian Chocolate Mousse with Choc Chip Cookies Apple and Cinnamon Rice Pudding Coffee, Infusions and Mints (£2.95) 2 Courses £10.95 - 3 Courses £13.95 Available from 1st January to 28th February 2009 Free glass of house wine when dining through February on the Winter Warmer Menu at lunchtime

The Haycock Hotel ###

London Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JA Tel: 01780 782223 www.thehaycock.co.uk

DARK SIDE OF THE FLOYD DON’T LOOK NOW Performed by Peter Amory, who played Chris Tate in Emmerdale, Nicola Tyrant, Doctor Who’s assistant Peri, and Shirley Ann Field, ‘Don’t Look Now’, based on the book by Dapne Du Maurier, comes to the Key Theatre from February 2 – 7. The story, which was made into a film starring Julie Chrisite and Donald Sutherland, is set in Venice and follows a married couple who’ve recently lost their young daughter. When the wife meets a pair of elderly twins who claim to have visions of her dead daughter, they begin to have a control over her that her husband finds unsettling. It’s a moving examination of grief, love and loss as well as a supernatural thriller with a dramatic end. Tickets £20.

Box office: 01733 207239.

Liv Slater

One of Europe’s most authentic sounding Pink Floyd tribute acts, The Floyd Effect, comes to Stamford Corn Exchange on February 7. Covering all four decades of the band’s hits, the show concludes with a full version of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’, Pink Floyd’s best known and widely loved album. The Floyd Effect are the UK’s only full time touring Pink Floyd tribute, so they’re bound to be good! Tickets £15. Box office: 01780 766455/754829. Liv Slater

SAFETY FIRST Edinburgh Festival favourites Plested and Brown bring their latest play, ‘Health and Stacey’, to the South Holland Arts Centre, Spalding, on February 5. Stacey, a geography teacher, leaves Britain to escape the ridiculous restrictions of Health and Safety rules but manages to get completely lost in a jungle. She’s rescued by Michael, a Health and Safety Officer and romance somehow ensues. Tickets £9. Box office: 01775 764777. Liv Slater

BLONDE BOMBSHELLS For a piece of pure escapism, head to the Key Theatre between March 2 - 7 for ‘Blonde Bombshells’, which is based on ‘The Last of the Blonde Bombshells’, starring Dame Judi Dench. Now in its third year of touring, this play follows the Blonde Bombshells, an all-girl swing act who keep losing members to the charms of American GI’s. Set on the day before a BBC recording which could make or break them, the girls desperately search for a new member with swinging songs and sharp dialogue. Tickets from £15. Box office: 01733 207239. Liv Slater

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD

TOTALLY LOOPED

POLES APART

Already a massive hit in the US, Totally Looped will be unlike most live comedy shows you’ve seen – comedians improvise over film clips, providing an entirely different story line, like ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ meets YouTube.

Featuring stars such as Hatty Hayridge of ‘Red Dwarf’, Joe Liss of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and Spongebob Squarepants, as well as BBC7’s comedy troupe, The Penny Dreadfuls, ‘Totally Looped’ comes to the Key Theatre on February 22. Tickets £17. Box office: 01733 207239.

Hundreds of thousands of Polish people have come to the UK in the past few years looking for work, but hardly any of us have gone the opposite way, so friends Mark and Dan left Crewe and headed for Poland – ‘Poles Apart’, at the South Holland Centre on February 13, is the story of what they discovered. Funny and informative at the same, it’s a timely look at a culture that’s not so different from our own, which also includes a free pre-show Vodka tasting (we’re saying nothing!) Tickets £9.

Box office: 01775 764777 Liv Slater

Liv Slater

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A clever re-working of The Wizard of Oz comes to the Key Theatre from February 25-28 when Peterborough Mask Theatre present Virginia Koste’s non-musical adaption.

Narrated by the ‘Stage Manager,’ this is a fresh and funny look at a classic story of friendship and adventure, which involves the audience in creating the characters. Tickets £10 (Saturday evening £12). Box office: 01733 207239.

Liv Slater

BLOOD, CHET AND TEARS Chet Baker was one of music’s original bad boys – he was one of jazz’s best trumpet players, but his career suffered due to a heroin addiction which saw him end up in prison. Years later, with his musical output receiving better reviews than ever, he died in a hotel room in Amsterdam with no one but Chet’s cellmate who is the storyteller in ‘A Funny Valentine’. It’s a unique look at a unique talent, with some of Jazz’s best songs, so don’t miss it when it comes to Stamford Arts Centre on February 26. Tickets £10. Box office: 01780 763203. Liv Slater

UNDER THE MOON OF LOVE One of the UK’s best loved pop bands, Showaddywaddy, come to Stamford Arts Centre on February 21. Best known for the 50’s inspired hits such as ‘Under the Moon of Love’ and ‘Three Steps to Heaven’, they’ve been touring since 1974 and their infectious love of old school rock ‘n’ roll has gained them millions of fans. Supporting them on the night will be Kushty, from Northamptonshire, playing rock and pop. Tickets £16. Box office: 01780 766455/754829. Liv Slater

entertainment@espmag.co.uk

LOCALENTERTAINMENT

LORD OF THE FLIES Described as ‘William Golding meets Quentin Tarintino’ by the Financial Times, Pilot Theatre’s new production of ‘Lord of the Flies’ is an exciting, contemporary look at this tale of a group of schoolboys who are left alone on an island following a plane crash. At first they enjoy the lack of rules, parents and homework but events soon take a dark turn and with the discovery of ‘The Beast,’ the clean-cut boys swiftly become a murderous tribe. ‘Lord of the Flies’ is a brilliant adventure story and its themes of social breakdown are current to this day, particularly with the rise of gang violence in adult-free inner city areas. Catch it at the Key Theatre from February 10 – 14.Tickets £16.50. Box office: 01733 207239 Liv Slater

PRIVATES GET PUBLIC The world-famous ‘Vagina Monologues’ return to the Broadway Theatre on February 25 for the ultimate girl’s night out. Witty, moving and personal, this show has had rave reviews all across the globe and has previously starred actresses such as Kate Winslet, Whoopi Goldberg and Sophie Dahl. Tickets £28.50 available on 01733 316100.

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

3 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO SEE ‘STONES IN HIS POCKETS’ THE WEST END HIT BACK ON TOUR 2009!

Winner of Best New Comedy from both the Laurence Olivier Awards and the Evening Standard Awards, ‘Stones in his Pockets’ is the tale of a tiny Irish village which is overrun by Hollywood for a film shoot. Two actors bring to life tons of different characters, from an A-list diva with an appalling Irish accent to two local lads hoping to make it big.

Book early, as this West End Production is going to sell out fast. It comes to the Key Theatre from March 30 – April 1 and tickets are £17 on 01733 207239, but we have three pairs up for grabs.

Just text or email the word STONES along with your name, age and address and they could be yours.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified, entries must be in by 28/02/09.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

DANCE-A-THON Are you ready to get in the groove? It’s time to get a wiggle on and join the Sue Ryder Care Dance-a-thon supported by ESP…

Supported by

As ESP celebrates its tenth year we’re running and supporting a series of events and the next ‘Perfect Ten’ event in the calendar is the Sue Ryder Care Dance-a-thon at Radius (above The Solstice) on February 21.

The ESP Dance Crew launched the event with the Sue Ryder team in front of hundreds of shoppers in Queensgate, joined by the talented street dance crews Bushfield Boyz and also A.S.K who did really well in the recent Peterborough Has Talent contest.

The event works like a relay and is similar to a walk-a-thon but instead of walking you’ll be strutting your stuff on the dance floor. You can participate in teams and opt for either 12 hours or six hours duration making sure that at least one of

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your team or group are on the dance floor at all times.

Organiser Sara-Jane Little from Thorpe Hall Hospice told ESP – “It’s up to you how you organise it, whether you want to dance in shifts if you can’t stay for the whole day, or dance an hour on and an hour off, or if every team member dances for one hour each.

“You’ll receive a timetable of the dance classes prior to the event so you’ll be able to see what classes and sections you’d like to take part in.

No previous experience is required.

“Thanks to everyone who’s helped out so far and who’ve offered their help on the day. We’re still recruiting participants and need as much support as possible to raise the £10,000, so pick up the phone and sign up!”

The ESP Dance Crew will be there to teach you

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some moves and Keith Dalton, presenter of the Early Morning Wake Up on local radio station Lite FM will be joining in. His dance moves are always a worry but even more concerning is his threat to turn up in his new Borat style ‘Mankini’ – heaven help us!

Lite FM's Keith and Claire will be broadcasting on 106.8 live from the Dance-a-thon between 1pm and 2pm and Keith's threatening to reveal all "When they first told me about it I thought they said it was 'dance-a-thong' and I've been challenged by quite a few listeners to wear my Borat 'mankini' which I was bought as a joke for Christmas - it's not a pretty sight but it's such a good cause I might just do it! " To find out more about taking part call Sara-Jane on 01733 330060 or email thorpe.fundraising@suerydercare.org or check out the website www.suerydercare.org

Buy one game get one free!

Valid any day, any time, between February 1 - March 31, 2009 To receive your voucher please text the word ‘Lakeside’ and your name and email address to the number shown, or email bowling@espmag.co.uk along with your name and number.

Alternatively log onto www.esp3.net and click on the Lakeside logo to print your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 OR EMAIL: BOWLING@ESPMAG.CO.UK

Normal text rates apply

THE

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The Tap Room We are pleased to announce our function room ‘The Tap Room’ is now open.

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01733 358500 email: brewerytap@hotmail.com web: www.oakhamales.com

We can cater for all types of function whether business or social. Please feel free to stop by and a member of the management team will be happy to show you around.

New A la Carte menu coming soon

OpeningTimes: Mon-Thu 12noon-11.00pm Fri & Sat 12noon-late, Sun 12noon-10.30pm

Registered member of Peterborough Centre Safe

Europe’s Largest Brew Pub and home of

events@espmag.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS

Proudly sponsored by

MARRIOTT HOSTS WEDDING FAYRE If you’re planning on getting hitched you should make sure drop into the Marriott Hotel wedding fayre at Lynch Wood on Sunday February 1 from 11am – 4pm. There’ll be loads of exhibitors to give you some great ideas for your special day including florist’s, bridal wear and suits, hair and make-up, cakes, cars, entertainment and photographers. Don’t miss the Fashion show at 12.30pm.

BRING £1 TO WORK DAY The ESP Girls will be out an about on February 13 with the Heart Angels from Heart 102.7 collecting quids at various workplaces around Peterborough. It’s all part of ‘Bring £1 To Work Day’ in aid of Sue Ryder Care.

So make sure you’ve got your dosh at the ready or the girls will be having words! If you really want to go for it, make it a fun Friday 13th by having a dress down day, get sponsored to do something, sell cakes… or just bring your money in!

CRESSET WEDDING SHOW HEART MASQUERADE BALL Feel the need to get glammed up and really let your hair down? Well there’s a fantastic night coming up which should help lift the doom and gloom – what we all need is a party!

The guys at new radio station Heart 102.7 in Peterborough have teamed up with Kidney Research to stage a fabulous Masquerade Ball to raise cash for their two charities. We love a glamorous do so we’re also supporting the event and our Face of ESP Claire Smith will be one of the special guests.

There are just 180 tickets priced at £50 for this great night at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough on Saturday March 28. It’ll include a charity auction, entertainment and music from the sounds of The Four Tops. Money raised will be going to the station’s Have a Heart charity which raises cash for worthy children’s projects and Kidney Research UK. Daniel Robson, the Have a Heart charity manager told ESP - "We’re really excited to be working on an event like this with Kidney Research UK. This will be our first ball together and I know that it’ll be a great success. With events like this we hope to make a real difference to children’s lives."

Have a Heart (formerly Hereward FM Kids) raises money for disadvantaged young people in Greater Peterborough. Twice a year, their independent grants board will decide where the cash will be best used in the greater Peterborough area and all local children’s charities can apply.

Kidney Research UK will receive 65% of money raised and Pete Revell, Community Fundraising Manager told ESP - “Over the years Kidney Research UK has teamed up with Hereward FM (now Heart) on charity projects with great success. Now that they’ve changed their name to Heart it’s great to be working with them again on such a large event for Peterborough. This is going to be a night to remember and raise lots of money for these special causes.”

So why not get a group together and really party? It’s £500 for a table of ten and tickets include an arrival drink and a three course meal with coffee. It’ll be a black tie night to remember so to buy your tickets visit www.heart.co.uk or call 08456 121226.

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Make tying the knot a little less stressful with the Wedding Show, which rolls into the Cresset in Bretton on February 8 and has everything you need for your big day under one roof. With a huge range of exhibitors and fashion shows for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and pageboys you’re bound to find something perfect. Entry is free, call 01733 265705 for more details.

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR It’s time to celebrate the New Year all over again… the Chinese New Year to be precise. Head along to Imperial Bento on Broadway in Peterborough, enjoy some gorgeous food and join in the celebrations on Saturday January 31. There’ll be a range of spectacular performances from the Bai Ling Chinese Art Company from China performing the Northern Lion Dance, Opera Face Changing and acrobatic feats. It’s free and starts at 8pm so for more details or to book call 01733 319188.

FLAG FEN FREEBIE Check out Flag Fen in Fengate for free on February 28 to celebrate the first day of the season with music, crafts, food, dance and storytelling. If you’ve never been to Flag Fen before, it’ll be a great day to visit this important Bronze Age archaeological site right on our doorstep. First dug up by Professor Francis Pryor, of Channel 4’s Time Team, there’s an ancient wooden causeway which they think had ritual uses, as well as the jewellery, weapons and day-to-day bits and pieces of 3,000 year-old Peterborians. For more info, visit www.flagfen.com or call 01733 313414.

BBC RADIO CAMBRIDGESHIRE, HELPS YOU SAVE DOSH! Andie Harper and the guys from Radio Cambridgeshire will be helping you get a handle on your cash issues this month.

Celebrate in style at The Bull Hotel A

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E R T I S I N G F E 2009 A T U R Forthcoming Events

Valentineʼs Dinner Dance Saturday 14th February Spectacular 4 course candlelit dinner £30.00 per person

They’ll be stopping off in the Queensgate shopping centre on February 3 between 9am and 2pm as part of a series of roadshows. It’s part of the BBC's national campaign called ‘raw money’ which aims to help you plan a debt free future and pick up top savings tips from money experts.

A Night at the Oscars Murder Mystery Saturday 28th February With a fabulous 3 course dinner £27.50 per person

From now on whether you’re planning a wedding to facing redundancy to home repossession, The Andie Harper Show on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire (9am - 12.30pm) will be exploring money issues that affect you – so if dosh is a concern make sure you listen in.

Andie told ESP – “Raw money is a great way to pick up tips and tools for managing your money better. From our weekly money clubs featuring reallife stories of the struggles you face in the downturn to expert advice and tips we'll be there to support you on a range of money subjects that affect us all.”

Wedding Fayre Sunday 15th March Find everything you need for your special day under one roof including the perfect venue.

Open from 11am till 4pm Free Admission

For all the details go to www.bbc.co.uk/cambridgeshire

JOIN THE TRIPLE AEROBIC CHALLENGE

To book any of these events please contact our Special Events Co-ordinator on 01733 561364

Local Hampton based charity, Deafblind UK are encouraging people to join them in a New Year three hour aerobic marathon, with the emphasis on getting fit in 2009, whilst fundraising for a fantastic cause.

The Triple Aerobic Challenge takes place on Tuesday February 10 at the Deafblind UK Conference Centre in Hampton and is aimed at all ages and fitness levels. The three hour marathon’s split into two 1 ½ hour sessions from 6pm onwards and the event organiser, Kelly Frew told ESP - “It’s important for each individual to set their own time targets and make it their own challenge specific to their goals. All we ask is that you push yourself that little bit extra and have fun at the same time!” The aerobic sessions include, Dance, Combat, Body Conditioning, Old School and Abs and Stretch.

To join in the Triple Aerobic Challenge there’s a £5 registration fee and you need to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship - every penny raised really will make a difference to their deafblind members.

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Special accommodation rates available on request

‘TEXT ME’ COMPETITION

10 FAMILY TICKETS WORTH £130 FOR THE SHIRE HORSE SHOW

For an entry form and more info call Kelly or Ange on 01733 358100, or visit: www.deafblind.org.uk

Neigh! Yep, it’s back – the big horse show returns to the fantastic new exec exhibition hall at the East of England Showground next month. ESP has ten family tickets to give away worth £13 each so you could enjoy a day out for free.

LITE FM LAUNCH THE DRAGON BOATS

There’ll be over 200 Shire Horses under cover in the new indoor arena on March 14 + 15. So if you’ve been chomping at the bit (sorry!) to get out an about after all the chilly weather, this is your chance.

There’s also a display of vintage tractors and farm machinery, dog agility, Victorian funfair and loads of trade stands if you fancy a bit of a shop. Book your tickets by telephone – 0845 450 6425 or by downloading an advanced ticket booking form from the website – www.showground.org.uk To stand a chance of winning our free tickets just text or email us the word SHIRES along with your name, age address and telephone number.

The big race on the river returns to Peterborough with Lite FM at the helm this year. The station launched this year’s Dragon Boat Festival organised by Gable Events by hitting the road with an actual Dragon Boat in tow.

Lite FM’s Gregg Nunney who presents Talking Peterborough stopped off at various venues including Serpentine Green and Crightons Mitsubishi dealership. Crightons are once again the main sponsor of the event which invites dozens of teams to battle it out in the river race on June 21. They’re now taking entries so don’t miss your spot – whip up a team in the office and get your names down. You don’t need any previous experience, it’s great fun and great for team building. For details see www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/peterborough or call Gable Events on 01780 470718.

Usual competition rules apply, winners will be notified , entries must be in by 27/02/09.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 EMAIL: COMPETITION@ESPMAG.CO.UK

Pep Cipriano

MAN

LOOKING FOR A POTTY TRAINER

about

TOWN

AS HEARD ON

Unusually for a bloke, I stopped leaving the seat up (my former lover trained me).

That was until I caught a bout of Gastroenteritis. I was on the throne making gravy a dozen times a day, I even wrote some of this column on it. I’m now looking for another lover to re-train me…

pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk

WILL COSMIC KATIE BRING ME LOVE? This is it then, February, the month of lurve blah blah. Will I be lucky in love? Well it kind of seems so according to local clairvoyant and astrologer Katie Lancashire. Katie read my column with some interest last month when I went on about how rubbish astrology was and that we make our own luck because luck didn’t text me at 7pm in keeping with my Gemini reading for that day.

But maybe I was being a bit harsh on the whole birth sign thing. Katie’s a friend of mine and friends don’t lie right?

She’s got me all excited because it looks like I’m going to score with a lovely bit of fluff, as Katie’s February forecast for me says…

“You’ll be in the mood for socialising and going out and the chances are the moment you stop looking for love, it will walk into your life. You’ll strive to attract women who aren’t run of the mill and have some hidden depths.

“You’ll meet a dark haired (Kylie-like) woman who’ll want to get to know the real you and will not let you down. The letter ‘S’ will lead you to some fun times but real love will creep up on you unexpectedly.

“When you’re in love, you can be a very caring and thoughtful partner - you’re someone who’ll do somersaults to keep their lover happy. July and December are key months for sexual intensity (with Kylie) and exciting and passionate times lie ahead.

“Romance could actually blossom at work, be it your current job or in a new venture. She’ll be patient, loving, quick-witted and will fulfill all your needs. She’s not materialistic and will make you laugh and feel so happy.

“A jealous blast from the past will make an unexpected appearance but this isn’t your cue to pick up where you left off!”

I’ll be sure to keep you all updated with my love exploits this year. And if you look like Kylie then come and get me baby! Katie also gave me the lowdown on other aspects of my life for 2009; watch this space as I reveal more in the coming months.

If you want to know what’s in store for 2009 contact Katie on: (01733) 246426 or visit www.katielancashire.co.uk

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WELCOME TO ST. STRESS DAY! So while I’m waiting for Kylie to look me up, there’s no denying that Valentine’s Day for a bloke is stressful. Every year it seems that it’s down to us to do all the hard work. We have to make sure everything’s perfect for the big day / night otherwise no nookie for the next six months.

Whereas your other half prepares for the big day by washing her hair for a change (girls don’t always like to wash hair every day), you’ll be ticking off your, in no particular order, checklist which looks something like this…

• Send flowers to her work - include soppy message in card for extra brownie points so she can show her friends, the ones who didn’t think you were good enough for her.

• Book fancy restaurant (I may have to sell my car to afford it, she only wants the best).

Drop off CD so waiter can play our favourite song halfway through her Steak Diane.

• Write another soppy note and place in her lunchbox but not in the vile Marmite sarnie, she’ll probably eat it.

• Remember to put all that Radox rubbish in it and sprinkle with rose petals - oh and light candles even though the bathroom light is in perfect working order. Put box of chocolates on the side for her to nibble.

• Tell her (you lying b**tard) her bum looks great, as she slips on her little black number.

• Remember to trim my man garden in case she’s up for some slap and tickle at the end of the night.

• Clip toenails, but not in the bed, she doesn’t like that. Check I’m not sprouting nasal or ear hair. She won’t fancy Teenwolf.

• Listen to all her rubbish about work, friends, fake tan, shopping etc while eating. Tell her she looks beautiful but not while I’m chewing or catching a glimpse of the cleavage on the girl at the table next to us.

• Insist she’s worth a £25 bottle of wine - after all I did sell my car.

• Let her be in charge of the TV remote for a change (yes I know it’ll hurt).

• Text her ‘I love you’ and all that lark just after flowers arrive.

• Hint it’s time for bed. Put my Teddy Pendergrass CD on to set the mood.

• Run her a bath for when she’s home from work. Make sure it’s damn hot. Women would bathe in volcano larva if it was hot enough.

• Tell her I still love her after she eventually comes up to bed but is ‘too tired’ for some rumpy pumpy.

HOPE FOR CITY NIGHTLIFE? Despite it not being taken over by a local company, it’s great to see the reopening of the Towngate Inn in Deeping. Sorry I couldn’t make the BBQ invitation but I’ll be popping in at some point soon.

Peterborough’s post-Christmas nightlife on the other hand is still reminiscent of an opening scene from a Sergio Leone spaghetti western (a scattering of aimless wanderers and tumbleweed) but there’s a glimmer of New Year hope.

Club Metro on London Road is finally flinging open its doors and hosts a live appearance by JLS and word is the former The Bar venue could be open by Easter - there’s still a possibility that Praise may be resurfacing by then too. Let’s hope so, Westside Bar turned into another betting shop; we don’t need any more of those thanks.

Problem is, last time I backed another city centre business venture (FruitAid), we Peterborough folk failed to get behind it and it was forced to close after a couple of months. Fingers crossed I haven’t given Verve the kiss of death too.

WASH AND GO Quote of the year so far has to go to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis on why his players shouldn't move to England.

“If they want to go to England then in the end they're going to go, but they need to understand this: the English live badly, eat badly and their women do not wash their genitalia. To them, a bidet is a mystery.”

Mr De Laurentiis obviously caught an episode of Celebrity Big Brother then.

LAURA NEEDS YOUR VOTES! Local girl Laura Fraylich is looking for your votes as she bids to win the televised Miss Top Model UK event in London this March 27.

Laura was shortlisted from thousands of entries and had an interview with industry professionals before being selected for the grand final show at Porchester Hall. There are eleven awards up for grabs and the eventual winner will receive the coveted title and a career springboard into the model industry. Text: MODEL 04 to 88010.

Good luck Laura x.

So Club Metro (complete with the only palm tree you’re ever likely to see on London Road) opens February 7 with JLS and Blazin’ Squad featuring Kenzie. Metro (I still think of the rust box I used to own every time I type the word) is aimed at over 21s but it’ll be over 18s on opening night and 13 to 17 year-olds on February 8 for the back to back JLS performances.

This is a good size venue that holds around 1,200 people. Ticket sales suggest it’ll be at capacity both nights when Aston and the boys perform at 10pm and 9.30pm respectively. The club-style nights will include DJs playing throughout, dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt-walkers, anglegrinders and other entertainment to ensure the event is one not to be missed. Tickets are selling fast, call 01733 557593 or 07881 883 099 to book yours.

Aston’s already been spotted in Baccara but he put in a surprise appearance at Radius over the festive season when he was asked by local covers band Haylestone to perform ‘Hallelujah’. Previously, two Haylestone members were also part of The Brays; this is now three, with Pino Soccio joining The Brays on keyboard. This is a proud moment for me, as I’ve known Pino since he was a boy and it’s good too see a fellow Italian trying to get a shot at the big time.

The Brays are currently recording a new album, which you’ll hear more about in my column. If you ever wondered what lead singer Gavin Hyde does to unwind, check out his Thou Shalt Not Pout Championship 2009 Facebook group. Like me, he must have spent months wondering why people (girls in particular) have to pout in photos all over Facebook. But unlike me Gav’s done something about it. Check it out and if you’re not on it, you probably will be soon…

Whilst on the subject of Facebook, I have some 500 ‘friends’. So why is it only six of them bothered to wish me Happy New Year? I’m a fool to myself.

Time for a spring clean I think.

DO YOU FLOSS AFTER CANDY? My editor suggested I could potentially liven up my love life with this candy posing pouch (prezzybox.com). Thank you. Let’s see if it’ll raise a smile if nothing else…

Ladies email me pep.cipriano@espmag.co.uk if you think it’s worth a trip to the dentist for a filling.

OUT:

Open from noon and boasting a late license Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with varied entertainment, let’s hope citizens of Peterborough give this place the support it deserves.

JLS HEADLINE NEW CLUB OPENING

CIAOS

But at least Verve on Church Street is back. It’s under new management and the place has been kitted out in a new fresh, eclectic, laid-back look with plush sofa seating. The front of the bar opens out onto the street, providing an ideal opportunity to people-watch and pick out (or pick on) badly-dressed passers-by who’ve clearly chosen comfort over style.

• • • • • •

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Phil, Mandy & Shelly - you gotta earn your ‘ciaos’ from now on…

Jules - fancy having a go at banger racing? We’re glad you’re OK. Ronnie - did you get my email? Thanks for last year mate.

Steph @ Envy - thanks for showing me your clothes rail…x John and Julie – another Posh game?

‘Shorty’ – sorry I gave you the sh*ts. x

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PERFECT TEN … SUCCESS STORIES In the second of our new series celebrating ten different Peterborough success stories we catch up with radio presenter Adrian Durham.

Adrian Durham BROADCASTER

Posh and always will. One memorable Posh moment was the play off semi final at Huddersfield in 1992 - I nearly broke my legs celebrating the late Stevie Cooper's winning goal.”

What's it like working with Wrighty and Collymore?

This former Deacons schoolboy and Posh supporter was a well known voice on Hereward FM reading the news and sport. He now presents alongside Ian Wright on Bowtime, 4pm - 7pm Monday - Thursday on national radio station talkSPORT 1089/1053AM and on DAB. Saturdays he shares the studio from 12pm - 5pm with Stan Collymore.

So what was your journey from Hereward to where you are now?

“I left Hereward in around 1995 because I was keen to live and work in London. I got a job at Reuters Radio, then worked at Classic FM, London News Radio. My job was brilliant - I drove a news car around London every day looking for stories. I interviewed Tony Blair, Ian Wright and the mother of a murdered boy all on the same day. I felt like a proper news reporter. In 1998 I left journalism to stay at home with my baby daughter. I freelanced as a football reporter at the same time for newspapers and radio before I turned up at Talk Radio in April 1999. It changed to talkSPORT a year later and I've been there ever since.”

“Wrighty is amazing. A true legend. We just have a lot of fun and he has real star quality. One show, we were talking about a ridiculous news story about a farmer who's black - one of only two black farmers in the country. He was picking maize form his field and locals thought he was stealing it so called the police. Ian was offended but thought it was just so funny. I then pointed out that the only other black farmer is in Devon and produces the popular supermarket range of Black Farmer Sausages. Straight away Wrighty says: Well once you've had the Black Farmer's Sausage you don't go back baby.

“I could barely speak I was laughing so much.

“Stan scored twice against Posh at London Road once and I can never forgive him for that.”

Do you still consider yourself a Peterborian?

Why did you always dream of broadcasting on Hereward?

“I was bought a cheap little white radio when I was very young and loved it. I listened all the time. First to Laser 558, the old pirate radio station broadcasting from a boat. But then Hereward started and I listened constantly.

Dougie King in the evening later became a neighbour and mate, Simon Potter's ‘Pick Your Poison’ was a must-listen - I was later Simon's best man. I even won a competition on Robert Jones' afternoon show once. I wanted to read the news on the station, and eventually did it.”

You're still a big Posh fan so what keeps you interested now you’re in London?

“True football fans cannot change their clubs believe me I've thought about it! I went to a game in 1976 and was hooked. It was magical. I love

“Yes. I had a difficult upbringing in the city so there are some unhappy memories. But on holiday from University I used to work at The Lion pub in Cathedral Square which was brilliant. We had an amazing time clubbing at Shanghai Sam's and Videotek after work. Some really happy times which restored my faith in Peterborough a bit.

Working at Hereward was great - we had a great crowd working there.”

So what’s in store for you now?

“This is it I've arrived! I've been at talkSPORT 10 years and 10 more would be brilliant - might just about pay off the mortgage by then. But I know every day could be my last so if they sack me tomorrow I'll accept it and be happy I’ve had a great time. I have a little idea that I might see out my working days commentating on Posh for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire so when my good pal Edwin Overland hangs up his mic I'll see if they need me.”

... Next month we catch up with another local success story.

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joanne.quinney@espmag.co.uk

LOCALFASHION

RED

HOT!

It’s passion by name, passion by nature this month, as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. If you ever needed an excuse to embrace the sexy siren within you, now is your perfect chance!

ESP’s Joanne Quinney explains how to be red hot in the fashion stakes…

Adding a splash of colour to an outfit is a great way of sprucing up your look. This month inject some phone box red into your style. Whether it’s through accessories, like a gorgeous patent bag or through an eyecatching shift dress, you are sure to knock ‘em dead (in a good way or course!).

Red shoes look fabulous any time of the year, but look especially hot on Valentine’s, whether you’re keeping the passion alive with your man or hitting the town with your girls. Bow accents are still going strong, and are bigger than ever. Wear them on platform shoes or as a feature on a cute dress, who needs red roses when our clothes are full of them!

RED BELTED MAC NEXT Queensgate Price £65

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A girl’s wardrobe isn’t complete without a statement coat, especially in this chilly climate. What better way to make a statement than by investing in a red Mac, a la Carrie Bradshaw of ‘Sex and the City’.

This key piece is perfect for the office, with jeans and heels for shopping, or with a black dress for cocktails. It’s definitely the month of love… love of shoes, love of dresses, love of handbags, love of coats…

RED BOW FRONT PROM DRESS

RED CORSAGE SHOE

RED BAG Dorothy Perkins

RED EDIE NECKLACE

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins

Price £35

Accessorize, Queensgate

Price £45

Price £35

Price £14

OPAQUE RED STONE BRACELET

RED HEART PRINT SCARF

GERANIUM PATENT PEEP-TOE SHOES

Wallis

Accessorize Queensgate

Dorothy Perkins

Price £18

Price £15

Price £30

RED FLAMINGO DRESS NEXT Queensgate Price £45

RED PATENT CLUTCH

RED STONE RING

M&S Bridge Street

Wallis Queensgate

Price £15

Price £12

SEXY SMALLS WITH A FABULOUS FIT! This month some sexy lingerie could well be on your list but if you want to wow someone, you need to make sure your undies are fitted correctly.

When it comes to bra fitting Lynne at Illusions has over five years experience and expertise in the industry and certainly knows her stuff.

Girls – you’re most likely wearing the wrong size, and guys if you’re buying lingerie for Valentine’s Day, you’d be better to take your girl for a fitting and treat her to some gorgeous lingerie from Illusions… otherwise, keep the receipt!

Originally based in the Rivergate centre for five years, Illusions has moved to larger premises in Market Deeping.

Lynne knows how to put customers at their ease and to give great service, that’s why they keep going back. She’s

built a fantastic reputation and told ESP “I care about my customers and want them to leave my shop feeling happy.

My aim is to make them look and feel amazing.”

Pop in and see her at 18 High Street, Market Deeping or visit www.illusionslingerie.co.uk.

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Steve Gonzalez

steve.gonzalez@espmag.co.uk

c

The page that's planning to beat the credit crunch by consolidating all its existing jokes into one easily manageable one about Gordon Brown having a face that looks like a damp flannel hanging off a door handle.

d

QUOTE ME UNHAPPY

In these times of economic hardship with the world lurching from one financial crisis to another, it's good to see one financial institution that's got its priorities right. Britain's biggest insurer Norwich Union is changing its name to 'Aviva'. Brilliant. Why reduce car insurance premiums or give your staff a pay rise when you can blow millions on a pointless rebranding exercise.

The oddest part of the advert though is when Bruce Willis appears with a bald head and white beard - looking like he's about to play 'Uncle Albert' in a US remake of 'Only Fools & Horses'.

They've CGI'd it so he's sitting in the passenger seat of a taxi cab next to himself from a 'Die Hard' film and he asks us... "Would Walter Willis have got to be a leading Hollywood action hero?"

In the TV ad campaign they’ve got three famous people to tell us how changing their names helped their chosen careers.

Admittedly 'Bruce Willis' sounds a bit more stylish, but seeing as he was born Walter Bruce Willis he hasn't really changed it has he. It's not like Michael Caine who was born Maurice Micklewaite or Elton John (real name Reg Dwight).

"Would Vincent Furnier have succeeded as a rock star?" wonders Alice Cooper. Well, er, yeah probably - because Vince Furnier isn't that bad a name. It's certainly no more of a mouthful than Alice Cooper, and Vince is a pretty cool name.

Look at how popular 'Vince Noir' is in the TV show 'The Mighty Boosh'.

Meanwhile Ringo Starr sits in the back of a limo reminiscing about the 60's and whether he would’ve been as successful if he'd kept the name Richard Starkey. Now, I'm no expert on music - but even I know that the success of The Beatles was down to the song writing genius of Lennon & McCartney and not because the band’s drummer decided to change his name slightly.

At the height of their popularity John Lennon was once famously asked if he thought Ringo Starr was the best drummer in the world, and Lennon joked that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in The Beatles! In other words he could've changed his name to Ringo Starr, Ringo Starfish or Ringo Startingpistol and it wouldn't have made one bit of difference.

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Oh, and at some point in-between Ringo and Alice the spoof Australian chat-show host Dame Edna Everage turns up which is ridiculous because she's just a character played by comedian Barry Humphries. Humphries hasn't changed his name to Dame Edna Everage you PR plonkers. He's always been Barry Humphries.

"Sometimes a change of name allows us to be who we really want to be," explains the Aviva voiceover as the ad fades out.

Of course the big difference is that 1) The celebrities who changed their names did so before they became household names, and 2) They didn't pay an advertising agency or PR firm a small fortune for doing so.

What was wrong with the name Norwich Union anyway? A quick look at Wikipedia shows that's what they've been called since 1794 and it's a name that everyone who's old enough to be one of their customers knows. 'Aviva' on the other

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hand could be anything. A haemorrhoid cream, a nightclub, or a Mexican slang word for genitalia.

Whoever was responsible for coming up with 'Aviva' should be forced to stand in the company’s car park and listen to Ringo Starr playing the drums and reading stories about 'Thomas the Tank Engine’. After eight hours a queue of customers who've received junk mail about the name change then get to give them paper cuts across the knuckles. It might seem harsh, but if we let them get away with it, pretty soon they'll rename Great Britain 'Avanti'.

JOKESOF THEMONTH "Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year where people get anonymous mail that basically says 'I want to f--- you' and instead of ringing the police they go 'Ah, that's sweet'. Any other day of the year and that's stalking." - Jimmy Carr "I went to New York for New Year, and went to see Liza Minelli on Broadway. She's one of those stars on my list of 'People to see before they die' along with Tom Jones, Mick Jagger and… Barack Obama." - Shazia Mirza "When you buy a V neck sweater there's a V of material missing. You know what they do with that.

They send it to Ann Summers and she makes those fancy pants." - Harry Hill

STANDOUT STANDUP FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20 Stamford Comedy Club ‘Ship of Fools’ returns to the Arts Centre with regular compere Alan Seaman. (Apparently he’s got a new suit in the sales so look out for that). He’ll be introducing Chris Neill, Gary Colman (not the bloke from Diff’rent strokes) and Mike Belgrave who I’ve seen and has a great line in observational humour.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 22 ‘Totally Looped’ at the Key Theatre This is a slightly different kind of comedy show that’s film-themed and is sparked by audience suggestions with the comedians dubbing improvised dialogue over ever-changing film clips, as well as playing a range of film-themed comedy games. The comedians featured at The Key include: Hattie Hayridge – recognised all over the world as the face of the ship’s onboard computer Holly in the cult TV show ‘Red Dwarf’and Joe Liss, an American comedian who helped develop the show in LA and also members of ‘The Penny Dreadfuls’ – a sketch group who you may have seen on BBC3’s ‘Comedy Shuffle’.

Four Poofs and a Piano

THURSDAY MARCH 12 Ed Byrne at the Broadway Byrne is one of those comedians who everyone seems to know but they're not really sure from where. He mainly crops up on TV panel shows these days, but if you saw him on BBC's 'Live at the Apollo' last month you'll know he's an accomplished stand up. I bought his DVD 'Pedantic & Whimsical' a few years ago and it has some great material on it. I'm hoping that when he plays at The Broadway he'll include some of that material. There's one particular routine that he does about the Alanis Morrisette song 'Ironic' which is one of those pieces of comedy that you can find funny no matter how many times you hear it. I've heard him do a short version and a longer one. I won't spoil it all, but the short version goes like this...

"Remember that song 'Ironic'? No, it's not. She kept naming all these things in the song that were meant to be ironic and none of them were. They were all just unfortunate. The song should've been called 'Unfortunate'. The only ironic thing about that song is that it's called 'Ironic' and it's written by a woman who doesn't know what 'ironic' means… Now that's quite ironic."

Also on Sunday February 22 at The Broadway are ‘Four Poofs and a Piano’, the resident house band on ‘Friday Night with Jonathan Ross’. I saw one of the ‘Poofs’, Stephen De Martin (the Australian one who always stands on the far right) do a solo show in Edinburgh a couple of years ago, and I was quite surprised how good it was. Expect some original, amusingly titled songs, along with a few recognised ‘camp’ classics.

Gaggin’ For It Comedy Club The Cresset's Gaggin' For It Comedy Club returns on Friday February 27 with a bumper line-up. Regular readers will know that I ruddy well love this comedy night, and if you're a fan of shows like 'Mock the Week' and 'Have I Got News For You' you'll recognise Jo Caulfield who'll be headlining the night.

She's one of the best female comics on the circuit and if you've not been to The Cresset for a while, this is an excellent excuse to go along. She'll be supported by Brian Higgins, Brett Goldstein and compere Dan Evans. I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised, not only by the comedians but also the drinks prices at the bar.

Matt

S Zilch T A M F O R DCALLING

Proudly sponsored by

3 Ironmongers St Stamford 01780 766159

matt.zilch@espmag.co.uk

Oliver Hooker from The Perriwig

PUB OF THE MONTH…

THE PERIWIG My pub of the month this time is one of my favourites I have to confess - The Periwig in Red Lion Square in Stamford is a great place to go any night of the week.

They serve good food and are currently running a great meal deal menu for just £4.95 which includes any meal on their menu and a drink of your choice! (Although sadly this doesn’t include champagne as I found out! But hey a lad’s gotta try!) You can for example have one of their great homemade burgers and a bottle of Magners or what I always go for is the cheese and tomato olive melt with one of Ross’s superb Gin and Tonics! (I don’t know how he gets those G & T’s so good!)

They have a great Karaoke session on Wednesday nights, buy-one-get-one free on all bottles Thursday night and on Fridays they have a DJ on with double up on sprits for just £1!

Then on Sunday nights they have live bands on every week; The Houndogs, The Brays and yours truly will all be appearing there in February (check the ESP gig guide!)

They also have all the top football and rugby matches showing on the Sky Sports and Sentana channels so something to please everyone!

Left to right Joe Robinson, Leon Lacono (Manager), Me and Sarah Hunter

ANOTHER YEAR OVER, A NEW ONE JUST BEGUN! As I clear the wreckage and tend to my wounds following another crazy Christmas and New Year it’s time to look at the year ahead and ponder what wonders lay ahead. Having spent the first few days of the year in hospital recovering from a trashed appendix it’s nice to know the year can only get better! My deepest apologies go to anyone who turned up to Mama Liz’s or The Millstone in Stamford to see me play.

I always find this a funny time of year, and Stamford does become very quiet, I’m sure this happens in towns all over the country but Stamford does seem to get a ghostly feeling to it. One thing that does make me wonder is what will happen to that massive space now Woolworth’s has closed? It now has a very depressing look about it, like old tinsel ready to go back in the attic after New Year!

I’m hearing a lot of people talking about raising money for the skate park, which I think is something this town is really missing for young people. The guys fundraising for the project are staging a gig at new venue Mama Liz's on February 27 with several bands performing including The Ruined, Sammy’s Fatal Mistake, Blindfolds and Aside so get down there and show your support!

I’ll aim to keep you posted about all things Stamford and will no doubt see you out an about round the town. If any of you out there have any gossip or news about stuff going on in Stamford over the next few months make sure you get in touch and fill me in!

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CLOISTERS ITALIAN BISTRO A restaurant I’ve decided to mention this month is Cloisters on St Mary’s Street in Stamford. It’s run by brother and sister Sadie and Leon Lacono so I thought I’d also take my sister Sarah along for a meal.

I can honestly say it is one of the best places I’ve eaten in a long while! First of all the place itself has a lovely warm atmosphere, great décor and a fantastic vibe, with very welcoming staff to boot. (Sarah was loving the glitter toilet seats in the ladies!)

I had a long look through the menu and noticed that unlike a lot of traditional Italian restaurants I’ve been to, this one really stands out with its ingredients. For example the Pollo Dolce Pizza which has sweet chilli sauce, Mozzarella, spinach, chicken and Mascarpone cheese.

For starter I went for the Pane Aglio (garlic bread with Mozzarella cheese) and for main course I had the Vegetatiana Pizza. Both were fantastic as were the portions.

I have to say one of the best things was the pudding which came as three small portions set out to try. Normally I’m not a pudding person, but these really were great, and a very good concept to. We tried passion fruit cheesecake, chocolate and Amaretto tart and some Tiramisu.

Cloisters also offer any two main dishes for only £10 every lunchtime from Tuesday to Saturday which can’t be bad!

For more info you can contact the Bistro on 01780 755162 or visit the website www.cloistersbistro.com I can’t say enough great things about this restaurant, all I can say is get a table booked there. Great people, great value and great food too!

Wow! Just take a look at our Face of ESP Claire Smith with her fantastic new look courtesy of Michael John Hair Artwork.

She’s definitely a head turner…

When she won the Face of ESP Peterboorugh salon Michael John became Claire’s official hairdresser for the year, giving her £500 of styling to use but as an added extra they also included her in one of their regular photo shoots to showcase their latest looks.

Claire was given the full model treatment with a wardrobe of great gear to choose from, a professional make-over and this fantastic new look.

"It was a whole day affair, great fun and very professional,” said Claire.

“We all decided that I should have a newer, younger look for the shoot by having my hair darkened, a gloss treatment and a re-style. The outcome was fabulous and my hair has never looked so healthy and shiny.

“My make-up was done to perfection and the whole shoot was relaxed and very enjoyable. Thanks Michael John for treating me to such a great experience!”

Claire has gone for an updated do, so we thought we better ask Mick and the team from Michael John what’s hot for 2009.

“Although there will always be clients who prefer long hair, there’s a huge return to the early 60’s geometric and asymmetric cuts. For those of us unfortunately old enough to remember the wedge and geometric bobs, the five point cut and the firefly; get ready for their return!

“If mid-length hair is more your comfort zone there are still loads of bobs around but try to make yours as individual as possible to suit your face, features and style.”

As anyone will tell you a major speciality of the salon is colouring which is headed by Kris supported by an experienced team of colourists. If you want to take Claire’s lead and fancy adding some colour, special packages are available with their young designer and designer grades when linking full head colouring with light flashes and slices.

It’s not just for the girls though, all their staff are also fully trained in men’s hairdressing and the salon caters for all ages and all styles from the very shortest to the very latest looks.

You know you’re in good hands; they have five Artistic Designers who all have between 17-25 years experience within the salon, four Senior Designers with a minimum of six years experience with their own specialities plus three designers and their six strong young designer team keen to give the same dedication.

The team never stand still and are regularly training and competing for various awards.

Their trainees have all been busy preparing for the A.H.T competitions which saw the first heat in January, with the semi-finals at Lincoln on Monday February 2, where they competed for places in the national finals in Blackpool on Monday March 16.

Look out for some changes as the Queensgate salon is just about to be redesigned and Mick tells us he’s hopeful it’ll be completed by the end of April.

If you just don’t feel you can go for the chop or prefer your locks long and lustrous, Mick says the big trend is for a softer look.

“Softer tied back hair, wavy or big loose curls are in and I’m told by my partner in crime, Kris my wife, who specialises in extensions and long hair work that there’s also a return to plaiting, but incorporating it into your hair style not just being the style.”

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Queensgate salon:

01733 553732 Millfield salon:

01733 554826

Only 30 minutes Low impact cardio and resistance training that can burn off up to 500 calories in just 1/2 hour.

Simple and safe An effective routine for all ages, shapes and sizes that won’t leave you with sore or aching muscles.

Easy to use machines No stacks of weights or electronics.

Looking at the whole woman, where health and fitness matter

Personal attention Helpful, friendly staff who motivate and guide you to reach your goals.

Women only A community of likeminded women, who love to help and encourage each other.

Women’s wellbeing Monitoring and advice from a registered nurse, including blood pressure and diabetes checks.

No lycra or mirrors Leave your image at the door!

Low cost All this for less than £1 a day

Unit 7, New England Complex, York Road, Peterborough PE1 3BP Tel: 01733 348299 Email info@orchidsfitness.co.uk • Web www.orchidsfitness.co.uk

NO joining fee in February 2009 To receive your voucher please text the word ‘Orchids’ and your name and email address to the number shown, or email offers@espmag.co.uk along with your name and number.

Alternatively log onto www.esp3.net and click on the Orchids logo to print your voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE

07762 147679 OR EMAIL: OFFERS@ESPMAG.CO.UK

Normal text rates apply

A new café for Stamford Food served all day between 8am-5pm Home cooked main meals All day breakfasts Sandwiches and baguettes Home made cakes Tea, coffee, hot and cold drinks.

Friendly staff - good service

2-3 Cheyne Walk, Stamford Tel: 01780 481414

HEALTH and beauty PERFECT TEN NIGHT A REAL PICK ME UP The ESP ‘Perfect Ten Pick Me Up’ evening with Orchids ladies fitness centre certainly cheered up dozens of ladies keen to kick start their New Year’s resolutions or just to enjoy a little pampering.

The free night hosted by ESP’s Sarah Tempest was a real boost to those who enjoyed a range of treats such as mini massages, manicures and reflexology tasters as well as picking up nutritional advice, diet and fitness tips. It was a chance to try a variety of treatments and even to check your bra fitting with Illusions lingerie or refresh your hairstyle with P.Kai hair.

Stands on the night also included Amanda Allport Holistic and Skincare specialist, Little Pinkies - Nails, Beauty & Holistic Therapies, Claire Ferrari Cambridge Diet, Virgin Vie, Vicky Wilson - Aloe Vera products, Lisa Hunt from Beauty Rituals, Sharon Smith Sports Massage Therapy and ESP’s own expert nutritionist, columnist and TV star Karen Devine. If you’d like contact details for any of those taking part just give us a call on 01733 579707.

Orchids ladies fitness centre are running a great special offer in this issue where you can join for free during February, so no excuses girls!

We’re celebrating our tenth anniversary and there’ll be more ESP Perfect Ten events throughout the year so if you missed this one, make sure you join us next time!

PAMPER YOUR LOVER AND THE PLANET THIS VALENTINE’S DAY The perfect gift for the one you love this Valentine’s… must include massage oil!

And what better oil to try than a skin-loving organic one containing no less than nine aromatic essential oils? Look no further than the new Origins™ Organic Body Pampering Massage Oil - it’ll leave your loved one’s skin feeling silky smooth and rejuvenated. Grab a bottle for your boy/babe from John Lewis in Queensgate (RRP £25.45) or from www.origins.co.uk

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SMOOTH MOVES FOR THE GUYS OK guys so shaving every day can be a little tedious and the George Michael look just isn’t always cool. Josh Holloway can get away with stubble on LOST but you might lose out on some lovin’ if you’re face is like sandpaper when you snuggle up!

There’s a new, natural shaving range you might be interested in which the guys from ULLTRA tell us not only gives a close, comfortable shave, but with prolonged use, will also help combat the signs of ageing.

Over three years in development, ULLTRA Age Defence 3 in 1 Shaving Cream could be the ultimate in ‘multi-tasking’ grooming products for men.

It’s paraben free and formulated from naturally derived ingredients which protect skin from the cold and environmental damage. Soothing and moisturising during and after shaving, it prevents after shave burning and skin irritation and then helps fight the signs of ageing long after you’ve finished shaving. They’ll be in local stores in the coming months but for now grab yours from www.ULLTRA.com for £20 which should give you up to 60 shaves.

“We would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support as we celebrate our 1st Birthday.”

Look good and feel good for the Holiday season!

Fake Bake Spray Tan For a Natural Stunning Tan 1 x session £20, Receive the 2nd tan for *£10 *Offer available until 28/02/09

Free Luxury Bathrobe with Ionithermie Body Firming and Toning Receive a free luxury bathrobe worth £30 with every course of 3 or more Ionithermie treatments Offer available until 28/02/09

Call now to book on : 01733 341535 www.thelimestherapies.com

Opening times Mon/Wed 9am – 5.30pm Thurs 9am – 8pm Fri 9am – 6.30pm Sat 8.30am – 4pm

Tel: 01733 342111 44 New Road, Peterborough www.ethoshairandbeauty.com

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Hands up who’s failed with their New Year resolutions already. If getting fit was one of them and you’re already struggling with either motivation or the cost of joining a gym read on… range of classes which you don’t even need to be a member to join in with so anyone can try anything from Spin Fit and circuit training to Yoga and Pilates.

The centres are open from 8.30am until 10pm (5pm Saturdays)) so they’re convenient too.

Jamie Fenton

Gyms… they’re a tricky one. Too intimidating, too restrictive, too costly – there’s often a reason you’ll avoid them when all you really want is somewhere you can nip to for some convenient exercise.

Both Planet Pulse sports centres at Werrrington and Bushfield in Orton have had a fantastic refurbishment, right down to the changing rooms and really do look the business compared to what you might remember. Yep, things have certainly changed in the last year and a half so it’s worth taking a look if you want a friendly, convenient and most importantly, affordable opportunity to get fit and healthy.

“We’re not what we call a ‘lycra gym’ for people to pose in, Jamie Fenton told ESP. “We’re an affordable gym that’s open to all. Everyone can afford to improve their health and fitness with what we have to offer.”

These centres have some of the best, fully qualified instructors and a great

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“We can give one-to-one help in a friendly and more intimate environment and give programmes that tailor your fitness regime to you personally,” added Jamie. “We can even help with rehabilitation following any health or medical issues and work closely with the GP referral scheme and cardiac nurses.”

So, the bit you’re all wondering about, well, check these prices out – you can become a member at Planet Pulse in Werrington from £235 per year or even pay per month so you’re not tied into a 12 month contract. The classes are around a fiver and if you have one of the city council’s @ctive cards there are even more discounts.

Give them a call at Planet Pulse in Werrington for more details on 01733 576606 or Bushfields on 01733 234018.

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TOP TEN HEALTH & FITNESS TIPS FROM THE BOYS 1.

Drink a glass of water 30 minutes prior to eating as this will stop you over eating and help fill you up.

2.

Drinking 2 litres of water every day will help remove toxins in the body and improve skin complexion.

3.

Eat main carbs for dinner rather than later at night as you will burn them off more during the daytime.

4.

Don’t eat fruit late at night as its high in natural sugars.

5.

Use energy drinks when working out as they will enhance performance.

6.

Train at least three days a week to improve fitness, help with weight loss and increase muscle tone.

7.

You should aim to undertake 30 mins a day of moderate exercise to stay healthy, this could including washing the car, housework, walking/biking to and from work.

8.

After 12 minutes of continual moderate exercise you will start to work in your fat burn zones.

9.

It’s better to drink lukewarm water than ice cold water as it’s easier for the body to circulate and faster to flush through your system.

10.

Training before breakfast will use up wasted/excess calories from the night before, you can then eat something like fruit of cereal to re-charge which is good for your body and digestive system.

Caught in th ASTON’S A STAR AT THE SOLSTICE AND THERE’S A NEW TURKISH DELIGHT IN DEEPING… Local celeb Aston Merrygold from boy band JLS caused a stir at The Solstice in Peterborough a few weeks back at the Hayle Stones annual gig.

Our guy with the Paparazzi camera on the night was Mike Harris who captured the action and reported it was a great atmosphere in the city centre bar with Aston enjoying some genuine local support.

Guitarist and musician Connor Owen went to school with Aston so the new star was happy to join the band on stage and sang ‘Hallelujah’ in front of a capacity crowd.

What a gig, and as you can see everybody had a fantastic night. Aston gave it his all and we can tell you that despite his new found X Factor fame he’s still a modest guy.

Next up ESP enjoyed some Turkish delights at the launch of a new Turkish restaurant/bar in Market Deeping with Neil Golding behind the lens. The opening of the Towngate Loughton BBQ (formerly the Towngate Inn) was a huge success with the place packed to the rafters all afternoon.

Everyone enjoyed a free fabulous Turkish style BBQ and buffet with one of the highlights a gorgeous belly dancer who wiggled in a way we’d never dare try!

Especially the routine with a sword balanced on her head! The team behind the restaurant have brightened up the venue and breathed new life into it with a great function room, motel rooms and fabulous new menu featuring authentic Turkish dishes. If you fancy a different flavour we can recommend it.

VIEW AND BUY OUR PHOTOS ONLINE All our Paparazzi photos, even ones that don’t make it into the mag are uploaded to www.espmag.co.uk/photos where you can view and buy the images.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for and are interested in any other photos featured in the magazine please call 01733 579707.

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he act?

Proudly sponsored by

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é c n o y Be Feature

celebs@espmag.co.uk

ESPCELEBS

She’s an international superstar, film star, producer and fashion designer, all whilst being one half of one of the biggest celebrity couples around. ESP’s Joanne Quinney finds out what the beautiful Beyoncé has planned for 2009.

Beyoncé can’t seem to put a stiletto out of place – and at 27 years-old Ms Knowles has become a true global sensation, selling over 15 million albums and singles, 75 million including her hits with Destiny’s Child and gaining a pile of awards in the process.

Not only does she receive great admiration for her live performances, where she belts out some jaw-dropping notes, she’s also received much acclaim for her performance in the movie of the musical ‘Dreamgirls’. Now she’s set to appear as Etta James in the forthcoming movie ‘Cadillac Records’ which is an altogether different role. She recently revealed that this movie was tough and exhausting to make and will shock her fans because it’s just so different to how she is.

Musically ‘If I Were a Boy’ was the first single to be released from the much anticipated platinum selling third album, ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ and reached the top of the charts in the UK. The fantastic accompanying video was shot by Jake Nava, who previously worked with Beyoncé in making the classic ‘Crazy in Love’ video. Now due to overwhelming demand ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)’ is being released in the UK on February 9. The club anthem’s already been a No. 1 smash in the US and was named ‘Single of the Year’ for 2008 by Rolling Stone Magazine. The video features Beyoncé looking incredible and working it to the max! The third album is a special double CD which features one disc, the ‘I Am…’ side to Beyoncé, full of beautiful ballads, and the second disc, the ‘Sasha Fierce’ side, (the name of Beyonce’s alter-ego whilst on stage) full of up-tempo dance tracks. Appearing on BBC’s 1Xtra show recently she said she wasn’t sure what route her music might take in the future - “When you’re a great singer you make whatever genre of music your own – who knows, I may decide I wanna do a Reggae album next!”

‘Single Ladies’ will be released just before the most heavily anticipated concert tour of the year. Beyoncé’s ‘I Am…’ tour will see her first full-length concerts since 2007 when ‘The Beyoncé Experience’ tour was a sell-out. Her shows will feature her all-female live band and premiere live performances from the ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ album. World-renowned top designer, director and photographer Thierry Mugler will be the creative advisor and costume designer

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on the tour. There will no doubt be some amazing designs on show!

Beyoncé has already been in the UK recently, when she thrilled 14 million viewers in December when she performed a show-stopping duet of her hit ‘Listen’ with X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Viewers were also given a treat when she also performed the No. 1 smash ‘If I were a Boy’. However Beyoncé wants to be more than just a ‘pop star’, longevity is what the star really wants, as she recently said in an interview in Marie Claire - “I wanna be iconic. I feel like I’m highly respected, which is more important than any award or any amount of records.”

It’s safe to say Beyoncé is one of the hardest working performers in the business. Not only has she spent 2008 writing and recording her album, producing a clothing line named House of Dereon and filming ‘Cadillac Records’, but she and Jay Z tied the knot in April 2008, however she didn’t debut her wedding ring until September. The pair are known for being intensely private. However Beyonce recently gave a little insight into their relationship on The Oprah Winfrey Show, when Oprah asked if she ever takes her stage persona ‘Sasha’ home to Jay Z, the star grinned and said -“Sometimes, not often. Only on special occasions!”

Beyoncé kick started 2009 preparing for a world tour that begins in Vienna on April 28 and ends on June 8 in London, a chart topping album and also a performance of ‘At Last’ originally by Etta James at Barrack Obama’s Inauguration Ceremony. This year will be just as busy as any other for the superstar, but audiences around the world will the on the edge of their seats waiting for the gracious singer to perform in their town. I for one can’t wait to hear her spine-tingling vocals live; I’m keeping my tickets for her Birmingham concert in a very safe place!

‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ is released on Monday February 9 and the album ‘I Am...Sasha Fierce’ is out now. www.beyonce.com / www.beyonceonline.com

Turkish Delights now in Market Deeping is cooked on a coal fire in the downstairs bar right in front of you.

It’s always great to see a venue revived and even better to see something new come to the area. The ESP team went along to the launch of the new Loughton BBQ restaurant and bar in Market Deeping and enjoyed some fantastic Turkish food accompanied by a little belly dancing… not us, you understand but a gorgeous young lady who certainly knew how to shake her hips!

“We have come into a ruin and are hoping to produce perfection!”

Loughton BBQ has taken over the former Towngate Inn and what a difference the guys have made! The launch saw dozens of local people invited along to sample their fabulous buffet and BBQ which

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It’s managed by Ahmet ‘Piro’ Incedal who’s been in the food trade for 14 years and is owned by businessman Hasan Dagdelen. Their first restaurant was opened in Loughton, hence the name, and they had two restaurants in Essex so they certainly know their stuff. They’ve now sold one of them to take on the Towngate premises in Deeping “We have come into a ruin and are hoping to produce perfection!” Piro told ESP.

through to a large function and was beautifully laid out for the buffet.

They have brought in top chefs from Turkey and we can certainly vouch for the food – very tasty indeed and a welcome change.

The improvements to the site will continue though with the motel being refurbished further and the guys already have plans for a new children’s play area.

“Feedback from the opening launch has been really positive,” says Piro “and bookings are coming in already for the function room.”

“We’re professional and believe we can make it as long as we provide quality,” added Piro. “This is several businesses in one and they all compliment each other. We’ve brought in a new look, a new taste and we are unique in the area.”

This is definitely an asset to the venue and is a lovely bright space ideal for a small party

So if you fancy a night out with a difference this is definitely a new restaurant to add to your menu of dining out options… we can’t guarantee the belly dancer will be there though!

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Now under new management Our professional chefs from Turkey bring a brand new taste to the area with a fabulous range of authentic dishes and Turkish style BBQ.

February 14th - special Valentine’s celebrations with live entertainment. Please call for more details and to book a table.

• Restaurant open from noon until 10pm daily • Breakfast at weekends served from 8am till noon • Motel accommodation (refurbished rooms - single £55, double and twin rooms £65) • Function room - caters for parties large or small, up to 150 people

3 The Towngate East, Market Deeping Telephone: 01778 347579

Loughton BBQ RESTAURANT & BAR

Towngate Loughton BBQ

The Towngate Inn

Experience the Turkish delights of the new look

Claire is well catered for at Toscanini as the restaurant launches new Sunday evening pizza and pasta night…

They believe they serve up the best Italian food in Cambridgeshire and after dining there with her family it seems Claire agrees.

“I truly believe that Toscanini makes the most authentic and tasty Italian food in Peterborough - it was delicious! I indulged in a four course meal, accompanied by Veuve Clicquot and fine wine, and topped it off with a huge desert and a liqueur coffee. The staff were so welcoming and professional it enhanced the experience even more. I definitely recommend it for any occasion big or small!”

We promise our Face of ESP will live the celebrity lifestyle during their reign and that of course includes getting the star treatment dining out at the best restaurants. Claire Smith won £500 worth of dining vouchers at Toscanini in Eye and being the generous lass she is she treated her family to a fabulous meal.

The good news is that from the beginning of this month they’re launching a new pizza and pasta night every Sunday with a stunning range of your favourite Italian dishes. It’s an ideal way to sample some of their great menu and get a flavour of what the Toscanini experience is all about. Pizzas start from about £6.50 and pasta dishes start from about £7.50 which certainly isn’t going to break the bank! You can still enjoy their wonderful Sunday lunch but now you can dine in

Exuberant owner Paolo Bianchi really knows how to create the feel of Italy and transports you to Tuscany with gorgeous dishes and a front of house welcome you won’t find elsewhere. Paolo partnered up with his sister Rossana last year and the two of them have been driving the restaurant forward so Claire certainly wasn’t disappointed.

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the evening instead, if you prefer from 6.30pm9.30pm.

During the week Toscanini also gets you off the hook at lunchtime, so ditch the bland sarnies and packed lunch and enjoy a tasty express lunch Tuesday-Saturday instead.

Their a-la-carte menu continues to receive acclaim with authentic Tuscan dishes and fabulously fresh ingredients available every evening from Tuesday-Saturday. Paolo and Rossana are working well as a team, growing stronger and stronger and developing the business.

“We know the market is tough out there but rest assured we will do our best to please everyone,” Rosanna told ESP. “As we’re brother and sister in a family business we can give the restaurant a more personal touch. We can accommodate large parties and if you have a special occasion we will make it even more special, just have a chat and let us know what you’re looking for.”

Ristorante I Toscanini, Peterborough Road, Eye, PE6 7YB. Tel: 01733 223221 www.toscanini.co.uk

For friends… for romance… for fine food…

We’re the perfect place to dine!

‘A dining experience with a difference’ • The Cherry House serves Evening Dinner Tuesday to Saturday - 7.00pm to 10.30pm 3 courses includes coffee & mints £24.95

Give your Mum a day off with a wonderful experience at Amici Lunchtime offer Mon-Sat 12-2pm all pizza & pasta dishes £5 per head

• 3 course Sunday lunch, includes coffee + mints £18.50 Bookings essential

The Cherry House Restaurant 125 Church Street,Werrington, Peterborough 01733 571721

Bookings Now Being Taken For Mother’s Day

Pre-Valentines Party Supper

Live Music, Great Food and a Lovers’ Quiz – All Welcome Fantastic French Bistro-style Menu only £14.95 for two courses

Valentine’s Day Menu

Book a table for four and receive a FREE bottle of wine!

Available Lunch or Dinner Two courses £18.95, Three Courses £25.95 including coffee and chocolates Party of your own? Try: The Kings Pantry, Event Catering from The King’s Head THE KINGS HEAD, APETHORPE. TEL: 01780 470627

www.amicispalding.co.uk

PERFECT TEN - WEDDING FAYRE with The Golden Pheasant

Getting hitched and need some great ideas to make your big day just perfect? Get ready for a wedding fayre with the personal touch at The Golden Pheasant in Etton on Sunday March 8 in association with ESP Magazine.

“It’s a beautiful building in a beautiful country setting making it ideal for this event and of course the big day itself,” says Kate. “I have new chefs who can produce some fabulous food and we aim to cater for what you want, rather than telling you what menu is available. We’ll tailor it exactly to you – even if you want sausage and mash!”

Throughout this year we’re celebrating ten years of ESP and are staging or supporting a range of special events under the theme of ‘Perfect Ten’.

Next month we’ll be supporting the ‘Perfect Ten Wedding Fayre’ organised by the team at The Golden Pheasant pub and restaurant in Etton.

If you didn’t know already the venue is under new ownership and with Kate Shinkins at the helm there have been some fantastic changes. It’s a great place to drink and dine and with its marquee it’s also a hot wedding venue!

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The ‘Perfect Ten Wedding Fayre’ with ESP takes a more intimate and personal approach to giving you some great ideas for your wedding – even better it’s completely free! It’ll get started at 11am with demonstrations and shows every hour at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and finally at 3pm before drawing to a close at 4pm.

It’s the first time Kate has held a wedding fayre at The Golden Pheasant and she’s pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s a good one – “We’re hugely excited about this event in association with ESP. Some of these events can be too large and overwhelming so we aim to make this much more friendly so you really get the chance to talk to the exhibitors about what you want – after all it’s your wedding!”

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There’ll be several stands showcasing the perfect answers for your perfect day including gorgeous wedding dresses (of course!) by Brida of Deeping, gear for the guys, jewellery from Murano Silver in Deeping, hairdressing by Saxby’s of Deeping, Body of Beauty from Deeping, wedding cars, Martins florists, lingerie, ACS and Dave Stewart photography, gorgeous bridesmaids dresses from Fusion in Deeping, financial advisors, travel agents Starlight Entertainment and loads more.

Sounds like the perfect package!

Tel: 01733 252387 www.goldenpheasant.net

The Perfect Valentine’s Gift • • • •

A-H cups Nightwear Body jewellery Free gift wrapping

• Cup sized swimwear • Handbags • Gift vouchers

We make choosing the perfect Valentine’s gift for someone you love an enjoyable and stress free experience.

Illusions Lingerie, Swimwear & Accessories 18, High Street, Market Deeping.

(Relocated from The Rivergate Centre, Peterborough)

01778 349161 www.illusionslingerie.co.uk Open 10am - 5pm Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat and 10am - 6pm Thurs

50 OFF %

at

Best Western Orton Hall Hotel The Village Orton Longueville Peterborough PE2 7DN

t: 01733 391 111

ALL FOOD PURCHASES IN THE RAMBLEWOOD INN WHEN YOU SPEND £25 OR MORE

The ESP Reader Offer is only available with a coupon and is only valid when £25 or more is spent on food between 9th January and the 5th April 2009 (except 21st and 22nd March). The discount does not apply to spend on drinks or for group bookings of eight or more.

To receive your coupon for 50% OFF food purchases, just text us the word ‘RAMBLEWOOD’ along with your NAME and EMAIL address on the number shown, or email ramblewoodoffer@espmag.co.uk to receive your coupon along with your NAME and PHONE NUMBER. Alternatively log onto www.esp3.net and click on the Ramblewood logo on the home page to print out your own voucher.

TEXT HOTLINE 07762 147679

Normal text rates apply

The Golden Pheasant “Kate from the Rose at Frognall welcomes you to The Golden Pheasant - a warm and friendly atmosphere guaranteed!”

For hire, our fully serviced events marquee, for weddings, conferences, parties, in fact it’s the perfect setting for any occasion. NOW OPEN all year round.

• Food served Tuesday- Sunday • Open all day Sat & Sun • Real ales, large beer garden and parking area Main Road, Etton, Peterborough. Tel: 01733 252387 www.goldenpheasant.net

• Free entrance • Several stands showcasing the perfect answers for your perfect day • Wedding dresses • Menswear • Hairdresser • Beautician • Wedding cars • Florists • Mortgage and financial advisors • Lingerie • Photographers • Travel agent • Bridesmaids dresses

8th March 2009

PARTY ON @ THE PARTY SHOP! From Valentine’s Day to a 21st birthday, a farewell do to a business bash it’s time to get the party started. Nothing lifts your spirits like a great party so we decided to ditch the doom and gloom and get some feel good factor…

Fancy a sailor delivering your flowers this Valentine’s Day? There’s definitely some feel good factor in that girls! Well that’s just one of the many things The Party Shop Superstore is offering as these party people remain determined to keep everyone’s chin up. Boys you’re not missed out as you can have a bunny girl to bring your balloons… or a gorilla!

Yep, these guys are determined to raise a smile.

Now as the sole supplier in Cambridgeshire of an American range called Trashy Lingerie they stock costumes you won’t find anywhere else in the area.

Now, despite the name, these are quality outfits which will transform you for any party with a slightly sexy twist. Ricky went over to America to source something new and exciting and these costumes have appeared on the likes of Madonna, Cher and Britney!

There’s a fabulous range of masks from Italy, banners, sashes and party gear of all shapes and sizes not forgetting those amazing balloon displays, we guarantee you’ll feel inspired just looking!

With larger premises than he had in his previous store in Rivergate, his new shop on London Road near The Posh football club is a haven for anyone wanting to plan a bash large or small and they cater for every budget.

You know what it’s like when you’re off to a party you’re always worried someone else will turn up as the same character, well with 3,000 costumes in stock, the new Trashy Lingerie range to hire and the Leg Avenue range to buy we reckon Ricky can sort you out with something pretty original! We’re loving the fact they come in a range of sizes too.

The Party Shop Superstore started out as Clowns & Things mainly supplying some fabulous balloon displays to big events such as the Conservative party bashes when John Major was in power and Princess Diana’s 30th birthday party at The Ritz. Since then over their 26 years in business, owner Ricky and his team have expanded to include everything you need to throw a fabulous bash including some great fancy dress gear.

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Ricky appreciates times might be hard for some at the moment but knows a party always lifts the mood.

“We don’t work hard, we work clever.

You’ve got to stand out from the crowd,” he told ESP. “We source things from far and wide to help create that wow factor. It’s great escapism – whether you want to transport yourself to Hollywood or become a Superhero, we can make it happen.”

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Look out for the new website which launches this month where you can buy online www.thepartyshopsuperstore.co.uk or give Ricky a call on 01733 342108.

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Park Inn Peterborough is a new hotel in the heart of the city centre Ideally located near cafes, restaurants and clubs Adjacent to main shopping areas with both major high street retailers and individual designer shops Within walking distance of the famous Peterborough Cathedral “Yes I Can” service culture Goldpoints guest loyalty scheme

Accommodation Our new rbg restaurant is now open – rbg offers a versatile menu centred around a stateof-the-art charcoal grill. Signature dishes include choice cuts of steak, enticing chowders, free range chicken and grilled tiger prawns, as well as gourmet burgers. Where possible, produce is sourced from local suppliers.

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115 bright and modern guest rooms Business friendly rooms available 9 suites and family rooms 5 wheelchair accessible rooms 24 hour room service and reception Complimentary leisure facilities close by, available to residents (subject to availability)

Meetings AMAZING OFFER:

25% OFF your food and drinks restaurant bill

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3 modern meeting rooms, all on ground floor All rooms with natural daylight Large breakout area adjacent to meeting rooms Modern audio visual equipment

*25% off your food and drinks restaurant bill between 1st February and 30th April 2009. Offer available every day for lunch or dinner.

Don’t just wait for Valentine’s Day or Easter to treat yourself, try the new rbg bar and grill now!

*Terms and conditions; Subject to availability, not in conjunction with any other promotion, offer or accommodation package. Reservation must be made, minimum two persons.

The management reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Offer applicable to lunch and dinner including beverage served in the restaurant with meal between 1st February and 30th April 2009

Telephone House, Wentworth St, Peterborough

Tel: 01733 353750 Email: reservations.peterborough@rezidorparkinn.com Web: www.peterborough.parkinn.co.uk

Karen Devine

AS SEEN ON

TV

karen.devine@espmag.co.uk

Proudly sponsored by

GMTV, LK Today and UKTV Style’s ‘Spa of Embarrassing Illnesses’

19 Rivergate, Peterborough 01733 553420 www.musclefinesse.com

In need of a laugh? This month Karen looks at why a good giggle could be just the health boost you need.

We know that eating healthily, a little exercise and a good dose of fresh air and sunshine helps maintain our health, but what about thoughts and emotions?

We all know someone who seems to tick all those healthy boxes but are the ones whose ‘cup is half empty in life’, the ones that always see everything in the negative and so find it hard to find the lighter side of life!

Ok, in this current down time in our economy and the doom and gloom occupying the TV and newspapers it’s hard to keep those good feeling chemicals going. But, one thing a variety of research seems to show has positive effects on our health is laughter which is the most infectious of all. It has the domino effect so when one goes, then they all go and you can’t help but have a giggle with the rest.

Laughter has been shown to have positive effects on – • Blood flow – good for the heart • Blood pressure • Stress reduction • Boosting our immune system • Relaxation – after a good laugh you feel much more relaxed • Lifts our mood • Burns a few calories… and much more

1Research has shown that having a real good laugh for around 15 minutes a day can really help boost your feel good chemicals which in turn can support good health. It supplies us with a physical and emotional release of other pent up emotions (like laughing because you felt like crying!)

Laughing can be a good distraction from some of the gloom we’re experiencing.

Obviously we all find different events/people or situations funny, but whatever it is the end result is the same in all of us which is to laugh!

Emotions play a huge part in our physical and mental wellbeing, when we feel miserable and gloomy we feel heavy in our body, whereas, fun, joy and laughter leave us with a sense of lightness.

Try and find the humour in your own life too, none of us are perfect so sometimes look at yourself from the outside and have a laugh at yourself and some of your ways rather than beating yourself up about things.

It’s a medicine which is free, so use and abuse it!

Karen

For more information on health go to my website www.karendevine.co.uk

Bennett M.P, Lengacher C Humour and Laughter may influence health III

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Karen has a diploma in nutritional medicine, nutritional therapeutics and homotoxicology; she is a member of the British Association of Nutritional Therapists and runs her own private practice.

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Confessions...

Susan Saunders

susan.saunders@espmag.co.uk

These boots are made for walking…

After the torrent of abuse I got from guys about my last column about the trials and tribulations of dating certain boys (no, seriously you guys that asked if it was about you, it really wasn’t OK – it was just a generalisation, your dodgy secrets are safe with me!), I thought a less taboo topic was in order this month!

Now, being a typical woman, I like to follow one of our many theories including ‘you can never have too many shoes’, or at least, that’s what I thought. Just recently this theory was tested when I attended a friend’s leaving do at The Cuckoo in Alwalton.

Earlier in the day, as I was deciding which shoes to wear, I stumbled across a pair of old favourites, my blue stilettos. I held them up in amazement with a hint of disbelief that a pair of shoes I owned since I was 16 were in such good shape.

I was incredibly chuffed with myself as so many people had commented on my shoes that day – vintage darrrrrling!

The leaving meal was going well, although I was making an effort to contain my goofiness as there were a couple of our company’s Directors in attendance. Did I want them to think I was a complete dufuss? In a word – no!

the embarrassing situations (the dreaded VPL, the classic trip over, the loo roll on your shoe, the absolute public custard pie) that come your way?

The next day, after about three ‘ha haaaaaaaaaaaaa’ texts the night before, I had to re-live it all when I got to work.

‘It’ll soon blow over’ I thought, until my boss got wind of it, one of the Directors had told him – great. His sign-off for the evening was – “Take care, stay away from those boys… and remain vertical!”

My only comfort was the thought that for every embarrassing situation of mine, some poor s*d is experiencing something much more embarrassing!

Now excuse me whilst I stay indoors for the next… forever.

I politely excused myself from the table - ‘I’m going to the ladies’ I uttered in perfect Queen’s English and left them to it. On the way back from the ladies trotting down the stairs, my mind drifted off (as it sometimes does) to the guy I currently have a secret crush on – I hadn’t seen him for what seemed like ages… does he even like me (I hope he secretly does), does he hate me (no, but probably thinks I’m a small joke), will he ever, will we ever (?)…that sort of thing. My mind drifted off again….. ….there was this cliff… ….and I was falling fast (do you ever get those dreams when you’re falling?)

Correction. I was falling fast – and there was no cliff, just the last three ‘not Susan friendly’ stairs at The Cuckoo! Unlike in the falling dreams, I actually did hit the bottom – I unceremoniously landed on all fours about five steps away from my table with the eyes of the company Directors looking down on little old me sprawled across the floor. As the harsh reality of the situation hit me in the face, I was feeling somewhat discombobulated.

Hearing a titter from a full table that had been empty when I left, I did the only thing I could do – laugh. And I laughed, and they laughed, and I laughed, and they laughed some more (I know I like to laugh at myself, but seriously guys – enough!).

I walked back over to my table, as you do, after I’d definitely broken the imaginary ice and quite possibly my right knee cap. I was surprised that I made it back to the table – I was in AGONY! I thought to myself, do we go through life always publicly brushing off the mishaps and hiccups, pretending that we’re not bothered whilst inside remaining deeply mortified?

Or should you instead take them with a pinch of salt and laugh out loud at all

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Susan’s disclaimer* In case you were thinking ‘you liar those shoes in the photo look new’, you would be right – they’ve only just had their two month birthday.

Obviously I would’ve loved to have worn the old favourites I’ve had since I was 16, however they’re now damaged!

shirley.frost@espmag.co.uk

This featured car is supplied by Marshall Peugeot Boongate, Peterborough 0845 0201185 www.marshallweb.co.uk

A little rednumber for your true love!

Peugeot 308

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Ihmy 308 WHAT DO YOU THINK? Belinda Needs

Peterborough exec exhibition hall at the East of England Showground Normally drives: Ford Mondeo “I’m quite tall and this Peugeot certainly has good leg room and head room. It looks lovely and sporty, has good suspension and it’s not overly complicated as far as the controls are concerned.”

What about getting the love of your life a little beauty that will save you money long into the future, sounds like a good selling point to me with the way things are at the moment.

The Peugeot 308 has some great money saving features, but more about that later. I took this red hot model for a spin and with its powerful front end and all over sporty feel any guy or gal will feel right at home in it. The interior has all the quality touches people have come to love from Peugeot and with loads of room in the front and back, it’s easily comfortable for four adults (or if you’re as small as our editor you may even get six in there!)

You have options of RT4 Multi Media system, hands-free phone systems or satellite navigation which come in a flip up screen which all looks quite funky.

So gorgeous looks, certainly heart stopping in this fabulous red, spacious and great handling, now let’s talk about the money saving bit!

The CO2 emissions are less than, or equal to, 130 g/km for vehicles using fossil fuels, designed such that the vehicle’s 95% upgradeable at the end of its life. Combine this with energy saver tyres which help to save you 0.2 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres you drive, this means you will save money eventually for those of you that are still awake.

Now the all important bit - how much is it? The Peugeot 308 starts from £16745.00 on the road, how cheap is that for a sporty little number!

I have to thank Shaun at Marshall Peterborough but particularly Claire for the loan of ‘Ruby’ for my test drive. To get more information on offers and a test drive give the sales team a ring on 0845 020 1185.

Our thanks to Peterborough exec exhibition hall for the use of their facilities.

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YOU’RE HAVING A LAUGH SHE’S A CHEAP DATE k the bank at the best of A dozen red roses can brea ? During a credit Day e’s times but on Valentin this current climate, in say, just let’s crunch? Well, . This year, if the other I’ve seen cheaper flats for sale way of saying it than e half can’t find a more articulat that my second ing feel with flowers, I can’t help Valentine’s Day, on s rose red w, “wo thought, after ’t you have paid this how original” will be “couldn on my Barclaycard t month’s minimum paymen instead?” that, when you’re skint, Romance isn’t dead, it’s just order of practicality side e hug a it is best served with ut Valentine’s Day too! I have mixed feelings abo I’m as mushy as the next anyway because, much as ys had a problem alwa loved up slop bucket, I’ve n, just because ctio affe of lays with grandiose disp should. So I started to the calendar dictates that we the whole “I love you” bit think of ways I could join in g over the top and goin on February 14 without my overdraft limit onto ght nou adding yet another up with: A super and here’s what I’ve come Genius! Candles romantic afternoon delight. pillow – 54p. Getting his on £2.99; my last Rolo, left elf when he’s not mys ket pac the to scoff the rest of Valentine’s Day! looking – priceless! Happy

P BOP ‘TILL YOU DRO ce-a-thon

the 12 hour Dan I’m really looking forward to February 21 organised on er inst at Radius on Northm ported by us here at ESP.

by Sue Ryder Care and sup nt and the gorgeous ESP eve the I’ll be hosting part of perform and show you Dance Crew will be there to even if you’re more John so, ves how to bust a few mo , you can still come along Sergeant than John Travolta money for Sue Ryder e rais to have some fun and Olympic swimmer Mark Care Thorpe Hall Hospice. d on Strictly Come eare app Foster, who recently everyone taking part to k Luc od “Go said Dancing on. Dancing is a a-th ceDan e in the Sue Ryder Car fit and raise money for fantastic way to have fun, get to be any good, you e hav ’t a great cause. You don if the man with the pecs is just have to enjoy it!” Well, ld like to take part, wou you askin’, I’m dancin’! If on 01733 330060. please call Sara-Jane Little

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A Chinese couple are desperately seeking a cure for the ir daughter who has been laughing non-sto mother says the conditi p for 12 years. Xu Pin on started when her dau ghui’s gh ter gradually worsened unt had a fever at just eig ht months old and il, at the age of two, she lost her ability to speak Having spent all their and could only laugh. wages plus extra money they have borrowed on parents are now desper medical treatments, her ate to find a cure. All tha t money they’ve waste perfect cure all along d and we here had the – just stick her in front of Caroline Quentin’s guarantee she won’t lau new ‘sitcom’ Life of Rile gh once. y. I

G IVING H IM TH E ‘B U M PS’ RUSH rt to a And the award for ‘best reto pushy salesman accosting go to people in the street’ has to the heavily pregnant woman walking in front of me through Peterborough city centre y, recently. Obviously in a hurr laid and with no desire to be way g past as quickly as she clipboard, she was waddlin the with and e blok est by the earn going to let her off that easily not was sion, the sales guy ly, eful forc said he could. But, clearly on commis ” am, mad t into her path. “’Scuse me you had any sensing potential prey, he leap m firm he worked for, “have clai on sati pen com ry inju rubbed her fly, brie before announcing the sed pau she ly annoyed by the intrusion, say, he wasn’t to s accidents recently?” Obvious dles Nee .” one this ly this one, mate, only huge belly and replied - “On her claim! on take to self him r falling ove

SCHOOL FOR TH OUG HT

If you’re struggling to find that special someon e to snuggle up to this Val entine’s Day, the last per son you’d turn to for dating advice is a nine year-ol d American schoolboy, right? Well maybe you should think again bec ause Alec Greven’s ‘Ho w to Talk to Girls’ has bec ome an international hit and spent five weeks on the New York Times best sellers list, and it’s set to hit British bookshop s just in time for cupid’s arro w on February 14. Ale c based his advice on ob servations of his schoolmates and his book includes tips suc h as ‘combing your hair’, ‘cu tting down on sugar’ and ‘knowing that while 73% of regular girls ditch boys, the rate increases to 98% for pretty girls’.

So basically he advises you to scrub up, stay in shape and always go for a minger if you wa nt her to be grateful. Blimey, when this kid hits pub erty, he’s going to be danger ous!

clubland@espmag.co.uk

CLUBLAND DISSIDENT DJ COMPETITION

Brainstorm, Komplex, Overdrive, TDM, Phix, Timeless. In room two it’s Shaggy, Funky Green, Tremor, Kaos and Mistic. Sounds good.

Admission’s just £5 all night.

Since Dissident first opened its doors to the public last January the club’s swiftly become an established pillar of the area’s electronic music scene.

HIT CENTRAL THIS VALENTINE’S

Now the guys are launching the Dissident DJ competition running from mid-February into the middle of the year. It’ll be held weekly on Thursday nights and will be structured in a knock-out style, beginning with heats and working through quarter and semi-finals before reaching the Grand Final.

The winner receives £200 in cash and regular slots at the club under its various promoter’s nights as well as the chance to gain experience.

Each winner will be decided by a combination of three experienced judges and an audience vote on the night. In the early stages the heats will be split into two categories the first playing at 139 beats per minute and under, and the second for DJ’s playing at 140 beats per minute and over.

Fancy your chances? Head to Dissident at 24b Lincoln Road and ask for a DJ comp entry form or email dissidentdjcomp@yahoo.co.uk and they’ll send you a form.

Get loved up this month and hit Central in Stamford on Saturday February 14 for the Valentine’s Traffic Light Party! Get a sticker on entry: red = not available, amber = open to suggestion and green = available. There’ll be love punch, club décor and more!

DIG DEEP @ MAMA LIZ'S

Saturday March 7 will see Neuro-Funktion serving up another huge slice of downright deep and dirty Drum n Bass @ AJ's, 21 Lincoln Road, Peterborough. They pride themselves in bringing you headline acts that are a little different and this time they’ve pushed the boat out, all the way to Estonia in fact, to bring you their next star turn – Raiden. Widely regarded as one of the hottest talents gracing Drum n Bass today, with his tracks being played by many of the top DJ's he’ll be delivering a one off special 90 minute set. Support comes from new resident DJ TKO of Breakbeat Kaos / Infrared recordings, Mr. Bang-e, DJ Komplex, Spinney, Revolution-Arry and DJ Riot among others. MC -ing to be provided by no lesser talents than Johnny Ka$h, Sn+per, Atomic & Jeaver D with the whole evening hosted by The Lyrical Rider. Free before Midnight with a flyer, £4 after. Doors open @ 9pm.

In the bar @ Mama Liz's DJ's Pat Unwin, Ju Roberts (Restless Bluescat), Otis (The Brewery Tap) and Dr Shrink (Throw Down) will be spinning Soul, Funk, Disco, Ska, Breaks and Electronica.

Foundation hits Club Dissident on Lincoln Road on Friday February 6 promising some friendly vibes, lasers, Heavy 10k+ rig and a smoking garden.

In the main room the line-up includes Shock C,

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Downstairs @ the Voodoo Lounge Dig Deep residents Rick Mcalpin, Pat and Andy and Ian (SAS) will be providing seriously Funked up House music all night to help people dance off the Soul food. It’s just £3 all night and doors are from 9pm 2.30am.

ELEMENT Element are kick starting Spring with two of the most exciting artists on the Drum n Bass scene DJ Baron and the Brookes Brothers hit Club Dissident on March 6.

Baron shot to recognition in 2003 with the remix of Total Science’s Nosher, the track became an absolute classic and in November 2006, he scored a number 1 on the UK Dance Chart with his track ‘Drive In, Drive By’, he had also debuted at number 1 previous to this with his collaboration with Pendulum. Baron is currently working on his debut album and his tracks have received huge support from Annie Mac and Zane Lowe.

The Brookes Brothers discovered a love for the more soulful sounds of Drum ‘n’ Bass and in 2008 they assaulted the market with Crackdown, F-Zero, Dawn Treader, Gold Rush and Tear You Down.

Their debut album’s scheduled for release early this year and they have received major radio support from the likes of Zane Lowe, Pete Tong and the Trophy Twins.

Entry’s £8 before midnight more after.

DIG DEEP @ DISSIDENT Next month the Dig Deep guys are back in the Boro and return to Club Dissident on Saturday March 7 with very special guest DJ and producer Simon (Da Sunlounge) Newby.

Anyone who witnessed Simon's DJ set at the Easter Dig Deep in 2008 will definitely be up for another session.

FOUNDATION

Then on Friday February 27 it’s ‘I Love the 90's’ with pure 90's dance anthems, R&B classics and chart favourites. Free entry before 11pm and BOGOF on selected bottles all night!

On Saturday February 21 the Dig Deep sound system take over Mama Liz’s/Voodoo Lounge in Stamford to bring the locals a combination of two rooms of quality Funk orientated Dance music.

Luke Allingham AKA Dr Shrink will be playing some serious Funk to showcase some of the samples he's been using as one part of his Hip Hop band The 6th Letter and with a debut album soon to be released on Rocstar Records it's a great opportunity to check out his influences.

NEURO-FUNCTION

once more providing Electro and dirty breaks.

Admission’s £5 all night and the doors are from 10pm-4.30am.

Support for Simon on the night over two rooms of underground beats comes from Resident DJ's Pat Unwin, Andy and Ian (SAS), Rick Mcalpin and The Phono Brothers plus guests take over Room 2

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TAG TEAM SOUND CLASH 2009 Get down the The Park on Park Road on February 27 to witness sound systems from all over the country battling it out behind the decks and on the mic. Who will lift the trophy and walk away with the cash prize of £200? Discounted tickets available @ www.thepark4music.com www.myspace.com/lionheartpromos www.myspace.com/millenniumsound

andy.whittaker@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC some from the Country and Folk scene including Mary Gauthier and Will ‘Bonnie Prince Billy’ Oldham, but with a soulful Staton take… making this project a defiant, brutal musical storybook on the ups and downs of love and life.

The Cresset event is all-seated and ticket prices range from £15 to £20, available in advance from the boxoffice on 01733 265705 or online. www.cresset.co.uk

CELLAR BAR WHO’S HURTING NOW SESSIONS Southern Soul is back and so is its First Lady - Candi Staton – who’ll be performing her new album and undoubtedly her classic hits at The Cresset in Peterborough on Tuesday March 3. Famed for her multi-millionselling hit single ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ in the 70’s, Candi’s always been up their in the Soul and Dance scene and will be better known by younger fans for her 90’s House classic ‘You’ve Got The Love’ which was mixed by dance DJ Frankie Knuckles and enjoyed the UK Top 40 on three separate occasions.

The new album features songs written by notable songwriters and amazingly

In addition to the regular Barnack Acoustic Sessions that run on the first Tuesday of each month, the ‘Music in the East’ collective have now established the Cellar Bar Sessions on Friday February 6 and on the first Friday of each month. Although the Cellar Bar Sessions allow for amplified instruments, it’s still a chilled out and relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy some great music and is held at Thorpe Lodge Hotel on Thorpe Road, Peterborough from 8.30pm. Go along to simply enjoy the entertainment on offer or take along your instruments.

For more information, call Richard Groom on 07759 292329.

www.myspace.com/musicintheeast

RANDALL ROOTZ PRESENTS… As plans start to swing into motion for this year’s Randall Rootz Festival, the organisers are planning a series of preview events in the run-up to the main event in August, through a serious of ‘Randall Rootz Presents…’ gigs. The first is being held at the Voodoo Lounge at Mama Liz’s in Stamford on Saturday February 28 and will feature King Kool plus support.

Also, check out the RePsycho art exhibition at the venue on Wednesday February 18, showing what a truly unique venue this is. www.mamaliz.co.uk

WHOLE LOTTA LED

Former bass guitarist with The Kooks, Max Raffery, is performing with his new band, The Third Man on Tuesday February 17 at The Met Lounge. In support is Avenue 9, making their debut gig, plus Scott McEwan & The Candle Thieves… a local band that are putting on some great gigs around the country and winning many fans.

Doors open at 8pm and tickets are £5.

Given the thumbs-up by no less a guitar god than Jimmy Page himself, Whole Lotta Led are said to be the ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute band.

Keeping the spirit and songs of the legendary Zep alive with their unique energy and stage presence, this great tribute band hit the Bourne Corn Exchange on Saturday February 7 at 8.30pm. Performing classics like ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, ‘Immigrant Song’ and not forgetting the acoustic side of Zeppelin, you’ll be astounded at the accuracy of their performance.

www.thethirdman.com

www.bournecornexchange.co.uk

www.myspace.com/scottmcewanmusic

www.wholelottaled.co.uk

THE THIRD MAN

andy.slater@espmag.co.uk

LIVEMUSIC As if that wasn’t enough entertainment you also get the inimitable Lloyd Watson Band and one of the best circuit bands of the moment Retrolux who play hard driving Rock like it should be played - loud!

The Motivators

The only slight downer of the evening is that I am the compere… bring your rotten tomatoes and steady aim and you should enjoy yourself!

Following the sad departure of Pete Carter last year, a few of his older friends decided it would be a great idea to have a night of live music to celebrate his life. Rex Gates and Jem Watson cajoled a few bands long since extinct to raise from the ashes to raise money for the Peterborough Alzheimer’s charity.

So take yourself back to The Cherry Tree in the early nineties and think… The Motivators and 0898… two of the most iconic bands of the time are reforming for this great cause.

The Motivators had a Sunday night residency there (and Colin Smith had hair!!) along with Steff, Pip, Chris and Lee on drums they finished every weekend with Rock ‘n’ Roll, hey guys… it’s been a long time!

0898 were also famous around the city with John, Graham and Neil playing all the city music venues with their note perfect covers.

Also on the list is the Colin Hodgkinson Trio which features the aforementioned Rex and Jem playing alongside one of the world’s most respected bass players, worth the entrance fee on its own!

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The gig is on Friday February 20 at the Peterborough Sports and Leisure Club in New England. Tickets are a measly £5 and are available from the Live Music Shop and The Cherry Tree (which I think is a great gesture by Jess and Anne) all profits will go to Peterborough Alzheimers and everyone is donating their services for free so we should raise a fair old whack, especially if you guys out there support us.

Another gig worth seeing this month is all woman Rock band the Almaboobies who are playing at The Lime Tree on Valentine’s night February 14, so if you like your Rock loud and your women fit and raunchy, get yourself down there girls, your bloke will like ‘em too!

Seriously though, I saw this band about two years ago and I thought, yeah OK no great shakes. Then I saw them at Americana last year and boy what a difference - they were great. They’re not young kids pretending to Rock out they are grown women who, well, Rock out and powerfully too. Forget the dodgy romantic meal down the local with a thousand other mugs, go and see and do something different this Valentine’s.

TAKING MEMBERSHIPS FOR 2009

Members Club

The ULTIMATE Combat Gaming Experience Airsoft is a military simulation game similar to paintball. It costs a lot less to play, it hurts less and uses realistic looking replica weapons.

Valentine’s Day 14th February with Frixion and disco (Valentine’s party), members free, guests £1.

Weekly guest real ales • Sky Sports Snooker/ Pool • Large Beer Garden 243A High Street, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 341326 Thrill your Valentine, pick up something special at:

Bring in ESP and get 25% off any adult toy. Buy 2 DVD’s and get the third for free. Make this Valentines one to remember (offer ends 28th Feb)

Licence to Thrill Unit 7, Park Road, Peterborough (Opposite Westgate Dept. Store) Open Monday To Saturday 10am to 6pm

01733 341555

Two unique sites and different styles of gaming.

Fight in and around buildings or in the woods and undergrowth.

The games run with two teams, each are given objectives which they have to try and achieve.

Competitive Prices Private, corporate and open days catered for.

01733 247171 www.urbanassault.org.uk www.freefirezone.co.uk email: games@urbanassault.org.uk Airsoft Shop www.fire-support.co.uk

gigs@espmag.co.uk

GIGGUIDE SAT JAN 31

SUN FEB 1

SCOTT H BIRAM MATT ZILCH AND DAVE ARCARI The Periwig

THE RETURNS

SUN FEB 8

ANDREW JAMES

SAT FEB 21

Lime Tree Paston Lane

JLS + BLAZIN SQUAD

The Roundhead Bretton

UNLIMITED

Metro Club London Road

OUTA STOCK

Ebeneezers Grove Street

Falcon Hotel Whittlesey

FRANKLY MY DEAR

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

PAT MARTIN’S 80’S TRIBUTE

MATT ZILCH

The Roundhead Bretton

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Stamford

SAT FEB 7

TUE FEB 3

TUT

BARNACK ACOUSTIC SESSIONS

JLS + BLAZIN SQUAD

The Hit or Miss Stamford

BLACK ROSE Cherry Tree Oundle Road

THE RETURNS Bluebell Dogsthorpe

THE OAK BAND Old Coach House Market Deeping

THE MIGHTY QUINN Charters Town Bridge

LIVE BAND Ebeneezers Woodston

ACER Cock Inn Werrington

MISSISSIPPI TERRY 'HARMONICA' BEAN (Shakedown Blues) St. Kyneburgha Church Castor Ticket only

BURLESQUE Thorney Club Peterborough

BLINDFOLDS + ASIDE + ALEERA + THE UNHALLOWED The Park Park Road

Millstone Barnack

Metro Club London Road

BOOMERANG

FRI FEB 13 ANDY GREEN HAIR'S BENEFIT GIG

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

The Glass Onion Burghley Road

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

BURLESQUE

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

FRI FEB 6

IT’S SO EASY

CIRCA 73

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

Fayre Spot Bretton

CITIZEN SMITH

MARDI GRAS JAZZ BAND

HELLA CHOLLA + BOP SOCIAL The Glass Onion Burghley Road

NOMAN’S BAND Cherry Tree Oundle Road

LEE MAJOR The Cock Inn Werrington

Bluebell Dogsthorpe

The Cock Inn Werrington

CIRCA 73 The Halcyon Netherton

BEKKI SOUX The Roundhead Bretton

SANTANA STYLE LATIN BAND

HOOKER

Thorpe Lodge Hotel Thorpe Road

Whittle Way Stanground

BURLESQUE

COPPIN AND BURGESS + IRENE RAE Bourne Corn Exchange

OPEN MIC WITH PAUL Thorpe Lodge Hotel Thorpe Road

THE HOUNDOGS The Pear Tree Stamford

The Bluebell Dogsthorpe

GRUMPY OLD MEN The Three Horseshoes Werrington

WHOLE LOTTA LED Bourne Corn Exchange

TBC OUTASTOCK Fayre Spot Bretton

RETROLUX Whittle Way Stanground

OUTA-STOCK

Thorney Club

ALMABOOBIES Lime Tree Paston Lane

SUN FEB 15 THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER + CEPHALIC CARNAGE + SYLOSIS

SUN FEB 22 THE HOUNDOGS The Periwig Stamford

The Pear Tree Stamford

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

SAT FEB 14 FROM A DARK PLACE

FRI FEB 20 SLIDE TO OPEN

MARK HALEY (THE RUBETTES) Thorpe Lodge Hotel Thorpe Road

THE HOUNDOGS

SAT FEB 28

TUE FEB 17

Thorpe Lodge Hotel Thorpe Road

Whittle Way Stanground

Lime Tree Paston Lane

IRENE RAE

Hosted By Quest and Friends The Boat Inn Ramsey Road Whittlesey

ALADDINSANE

The Jubilee Bourne

THU FEB 26

LLOYD WATSON

Fayre Spot Bretton

LEAGUE OF MENTALMEN

The Park Park Road

Fayre Spot Bretton

ELECTRIC WARRIORS

OPEN MIC NIGHT

FRI FEB 27

THE NUGGETS Elm Tree Tavern Dogsthorpe

EUPHORIA Ebeneezers Grove Street

SLIPSTREAM Cherry Tree Oundle Road

GRUMPY OLD MEN

BURLESQUE

The Cock Inn Werrington

The Cherry Tree Peterborough

WHITE SPIRIT

THE RUINED + SAMMY’S FATAL MISTAKE + BLINDFOLDS ASIDE

Old Coach House Market Deeping

DALE DIAMOND’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL NIGHT

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

LEE MAJOR

The Roundhead Bretton

REPLICAS

Mama Liz’s Stamford

Fayre Spot Bretton

FLOODING THE SILENCE

KING KOOL + SUPPORT

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

HOOKER The Cock Inn Werrington

NOT 2 SCALE The Wheatsheaf Eastfeld Road

CONTRAST Thorpe Lodge Hotel Thorpe Road

PETE CARTER TRIBUTE NIGHT Peterborough Sports & Leisure Club Lincoln Road

The Glass Onion Burghley Road

BURLESQUE

Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge Stamford

Cherry Tree Oundle Road

PORKY PIG The Cock Inn Werrington

If you wanna get your gigs in ESP for free e-mail gigs@espmag.co.uk or fax on 01733 579708 or post to: ESP Magazine, PO Box 431, Peterborough, PE6 7FG.

RIVERSIDE DINING - BLUES, BREWS AND FINE VIEWS

Cock Inn W E R R I N G T O N

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT • Mon Night Biker Nite • Food served Mon - Thur 128pm, Fri-Sun 12pm - 4pm • Thurs Nite Steak Nite • Sunday Roast - £6 • SKY Sports

Real Ale Emporium • Great selection of Real Ales all year round

February 6th Lee Major 7th Citizen Smith 14th Hooker 21st TBA 27th Porky Pig 28th Grumpy Old Men

• Pan Asian cuisine served daily 12-2.30 pm (12-3.30 pm Sundays) • Home to <EAST> Restaurant

Karaoke with Trev every Sunday

EVENTS FOR 2009

• Extensive range of Belgian / Continental beers, whisky and wine

Please check our website www.bluesontheboat.co.uk or see our internal bands board for forthcoming events.

Town Bridge, Peterborough

01733 315700

1305 Lincoln Road, Werrington, Peterborough

manager@charters-bar.co.uk

February 2009

• Food served daily, Mon – Sat 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm. Sun 12 – 5.30pm • Every Tuesday - Karaoke 9pm • Every Wednesday

- Quiz Night 9.30pm

• Function room available for privite parties • Local ales from £2 per pint

6th 7th 13th 14th 20th 21st 26th 27th 28th

Noman’s Band It’s So Easy TBC Replicas Slide to Open Frankly My Dear Open Mic Night Burlesque Slip Stream

Live Music

Members Club New members welcome

February 7th TBC 14th TBC 21st Unlimited 28th Euphoria

Also

Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free Admission £2 – members free

A selection of fine real ales Darts, dominoes, crib, snooker and pool also available

Grove Street, Peterborough

9 Oundle Road, Fletton, Peterborough 01733 703495 FAX 01733 757563 All bands subject to change

Tel: 01733 567352 Function room available for party hire (not Saturdays)

pub@espmag.co.uk

PUBGUIDE Bluebell (DOGSTHORPE)

54

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Bluebell (GLINTON)

• Live music every weekend (check ESP Gig Guide) • Food served Mon-Friday • Sky + Setanta sports • Real Ales • Free pool on Tuesdays • Large family beer garden

• Food served daily ‘til 9pm except Monday night • Sunday Lunch - 12-7pm, booking advisable • Open all day Fri, Sat, Sun • Fri & Sat food 12-9pm • Quiz night once a month • Wi – Fi access • Winter warmer, 2 main courses for £10 • Fine real ales • Karaoke every last Saturday of the month

St Pauls Road, Dogsthorpe Tel: 01733 554890

High Street, Glinton Tel: 01733 252285

The Fox

Halcyon

• Family friendly pub with beer garden • Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Home cooked bar food daily • A La Carte restaurant Thurs - Sat evenings (booking required) • Sunday lunch 12-5pm - booking essential • Garden marquee available for functions, weddings etc.

• Petanque terrain • Outside bars and hog roast available

• Food served all day, every day.

• Sunday roast from £5.49 – full children’s menu • Sky and Setanta sports • Live music every Saturday • Karaoke every Friday • Real ales served • Undercover, heated smoking area

The Fox, Folksworth Tel: 01733 240 258

Atherstone Ave, Peterbrough Tel: 01733 263801

Crown Inn

Wheatsheaf

• Real Ales served in our friendly welcoming bar • Beautiful village setting • Home served cooked food served Tues sat 12-2pm and Thurs –Sat 6pm-8pm • Sunday Lunch 12-6pm £6-95

• Fully refurbished bar and restaurant • Sky and Setanta sports • Beer garden and patio • New Menu - introducing ‘The Famous Five’ - five meals for £4.95 (each) • Live music (see ESP gig guide) • Entertainment every 2nd and 4th Saturday • Families welcome ‘til 8pm

Main St, Great Casterton, Stamford Tel: 01780 489463

Eastfield Road, Peterborough Tel: 01733 562724

The Whittle Way

Lime Tree

• Live music every Friday (see ESP Gig Guide) • All Sky Sports events on large screen TV • Real Ales • Quiz night every Sunday • Function room available • Beer garden

• Live entertainment - SEE ESP GUIDE • Live Sky sports • Real Ales • Beer gardens front and rear • Two pool tables • Quiz every Sunday night • Function room for hire

Central Square, Stanground Tel: 01733 340304

Paston Lane, Walton Tel: 01733 708320

Thorpe Lodge Hotel

The Roundhead

• Live music very weekend in the Cellar Bar • Ideal for the City Centre • 19 ensuite Guest Rooms • Evening maels served in the restaurant – open to the public • Bar snacks available • Plenty of parking 83 Thorpe Rd, Peterborough Tel: 01733 348759

• Under new management • Karaoke every Friday • Live music every Saturday • Children welcome till 7pm • Happy hour 9.30am -12pm • FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE

dontscrapthetap . c o m

Rightwell East, Bretton.

Tel: 01733 267340